Wild Third Sisters

In the first week of January 2023 me, Hannah and Lu were lucky enough to be welcomed into the heart of Hawkwood for a four day residency. We couldn’t have been more excited as we gathered together in our studio space for the week. A room with wooden floors, a piano, comfy chairs, and a generally welcoming and work-inviting vibe.

This was to be our creative lab for the 4 days. If you too were there, you would have been able to smell the anticipation in the air of what we were to create in the coming days.

Me, Hannah and Lu have not too long ago graduated from The School Of Storytelling’s 3 month intensive course Storytelling Beyond Words learning the craft of the oral storytelling tradition. There we all dropped deeper into seeing how impactful traditional stories can be to inspire change in the world. Since then we have been brewing this project and this was the first time we had come together as the ensemble “The Wild Third Sisters”.

Together we are working on a storytelling show weaving together three wondertales: ‘Vasilisa The Fair’, ‘The White Bear King Valemon’, and ‘Finist the Bright Falcon’. Each story is unique in its own way. Each is full of insight and magic, and has inspired questions inside of each one of us.

In the morning we would light a candle and set an intention and a wish for the day. We spent the morning warming up, doing yoga, dancing, and singing. It felt like we were a part of a community during these days. Then we spent the day doing different exercises that brought us closer to our stories. Lots of character building, storyboarding and mapping their landscapes – feeling out the edges of the stories. And asking the stories and each other questions about what it all means. The layers of meaning and metaphor in these stories just go deeper and deeper the more you look.

Each day we went for a walk in the beautiful grounds of Harkwood. Wow, what an astounding place to be. With such huge trees, so full of life and nature. I feel very blessed to have walked those grounds. We were so well looked after by the staff and the food was delicious. We were nourished with so many homemade treats to fuel our creativity. As much tea and barley cup as one could handle.

Being there with other groups/people in residency too was really heartwarming. We became a little family, eating together and sharing our life stories and projects.

Thank you so much to Hawkwood and the Reckitt Arts Trust. It was the best way we could have envisioned going into 2023. It was nourishing for our hearts and souls and we have the beginnings of a really powerful piece of art.

May this energy carry us forward and may many other people get to receive your kindness.

With love and gratitude, Mica Sinclair The Wild Third Sisters

Original Blog Entry by Mica Sinclair – The Wild Third Sisters. Published and Adapted by Priscila Pabon at Hawkwood CFT.

With thanks to the Francis Reckitt Art Trust, DCMS & Arts Council England for their funding that make these residencies possible. Read about our Artist Residency Programme here.

Mica Sinclair

Mica is a multi-talented musician, creative facilitator, and captivating performer. Merging the realms of music and storytelling, Mica orchestrates immersive encounters that guide audiences deep into the chambers of their emotions. Through their performances, laughter, introspection, and profound sentiments intertwine seamlessly. Mica’s artistry is a fusion of heartfelt poetic lyrics and spontaneous, free-flowing expressions, woven together with love.

With a rich artistic journey spanning 8 years, Mica has graced a myriad of events with their musical finesse. From vibrant festivals to lending support to fellow artists on tour, hosting intimate house gigs, and gracing stages across the nation, Mica’s performances consistently leave an indelible mark. Audiences are spellbound, moved, and left craving more as Mica’s art establishes an authentic connection that resonates deeply.