A live performance by Sophia Hatfield.
Join Sophia Hatfield, the Brontë Parsonage’s Storyteller in Residence, for a live performance of her latest work, followed by a post-performance discussion with refreshments.
Parenting is a rocky road for all who venture across it. Yorkshire folklore tells of a deadly black dog, known as the Barguest, who roams the moors - a dark omen for any traveller unfortunate enough to cross its path. Tales of caution are a common feature in Yorkshire folklore, people caught out by their own foolish expectations, trapped by the expectations of others, or besieged by the ‘black dog’. The stories we tell ourselves shape who we are as parents, but what if we've been telling the story wrong?
Through a unique mix of music, songs, and storytelling, inspired by Yorkshire folk tales and the legend of the Barguest, mother and storyteller Sophia Hatfield asks, does the black dog really want to hurt us? Does he want to warn us? Or does he just want us to play? Join Sophia for an honest account of early motherhood, folk tales with a contemporary twist, and inspiration from the Brontë story, as she reframes her experiences of motherhood with wit, invention, and playfulness.
Whilst this performance is primarily aimed at adults and those aged 13+, parents are very welcome to bring babies and younger children along to enable you to attend.
Please note, the performance space does not have its own have toilet or baby change facilities. If you have any further access requirements, please let us know, so we can ensure you have the information and support you need.
Date: Saturday 14 December, 2pm - 3.30pm
Tickets: £5
Location: Brontë Event Space, Old School Room, Haworth
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Sophia Hatfield is currently the Storyteller in Residence at the Brontë Parsonage Museum. This performance will represent the culmination of a yearlong period of work with the Museum, exploring childhood, creativity, and storytelling through the lens of the Brontë legacy.
Sophia is a performer, theatre-maker, and storyteller from Bingley, West Yorkshire. With a background as a professional actor-musician, Sophia now creates high-quality theatre, workshops, and storytelling experiences for museums, theatres, communities, and library spaces. Recent Museum visitors may already be familiar with ‘How to Build a Storyteller’, Sophia's audio installation piece in the Servants' Room, or her live storytelling performances of ‘This House is Full of Stories’. Sophia also runs monthly Brontë Babies sessions at South Square Centre in Thornton for parents and under 4s.
Sophia has documented her creative process whilst writing and rehearsing Learning to Play, through a series of diary entries entitled, Letters to Charlotte, which will be shared with attendees providing more insight into the writing and creation of the piece.
Photo credit: Kate McDonald