Click below to listen to the exhibition:
Click below to hear an audio version of the programme:
Woodland Voices is an exhibition of audio artworks created by visually impaired artists in response to spending time at Castan Wood in Martlesham, Suffolk. This project is a collaboration between Cohere Arts and Green Light Trust.
The exhibition was shared at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich on Friday 28th October 2022.
1. I Went to the Woods – All
What would the trees say if they could talk to us? A poem created by the group.
2. A Tall Story – Gill Cook
2022 was a bumper year for acorns. A short story about the acorn, a small symbol of great strength and endurance.
3. Diary – Marilyn Marvin
Marilyn shares her poetic diary reflecting on time spent in Castan Wood.
4. Bark – Wayne Witney
A cinematic guitar piece inspired by the protective qualities and varying textures of bark.
5. In the woods – Paul Nugent
Paul’s spontaneous response to time spent in Castan Wood, reflecting on the restorative qualities of the natural environment.
6. Chestnut Girl – Carolyn Allum
A short story of a strange woodland encounter, as told by Carolyn’s guide dog, Lea.
7. The Hanging Tree – Clare Burman
A song inspired by our region’s witchfinding heritage; the relationship between a tree and a woman who is hanged accused of witchcraft.
8. Underground Networks – Andy Girling
Featuring field recordings made at Castan Wood, a 3D soundscape imagines how communities of trees might communicate under the earth.
9. Olly the Owl – Paul Nugent
A bit of a hoot.
10. The Weeping Willow – Marilyn Marvin
Told in rhyme, the story of two lovers who once met in the woods.
11. My Best Friend – Dave Appleton
Dave sings one of his favourite songs from the Captain Beaky collection by Jeremy Lloyd.
12. Saffy’s Gift – Saffy the Guide Dog (Clare Burman)
A short story inspired by the mystical qualities of the wood and those who walked there before us.
13. Trees v Humans – All
A short courtroom drama devised during an improvisation workshop. The case of Trees v Humans.
14. Imagine – Carolyn Allum
A poem imagining the consequences of humanity’s continued decimation of forests, woodlands and green spaces.
15. Bringer of Life – Clare Burman
A final poem.
High Spirits are a creative audio company of visually impaired artists living in East Anglia. Artists contributing to this exhibition are:
Carolyn Allum
Dave Appleton
Clare Burman
Gill Cook
Caroline Giddings
Andy Girling
Ann Kasemsant
Amanda Martin
Marilyn Marvin
Paul Nugent
Wayne Witney
Artistic Director – Amy Mallett
Direction by Emma Bernard
Sound design by Simon Keep
Community producer – Philippa Storey
Additional music by Amy Mallett, Karl Younger & Emily Bennett
With special thanks to volunteers Marianna, Imogen, Steph, Penny, Matt & Fran, and readers Rainbow & Beau