We are shining a light on the beauty of china clay country this week, celebrating the national festival ‘Heritage Open Days’ with outdoor mixed art performances of Our Proud Roots on 19^th September.

The Our Proud Roots project has been running throughout the summer with Suzie West and the SpinDrift Dance Collective, offering creative ways for the community to explore the festival theme of ‘hidden nature’. The project is now reaching an exciting finale with three theatre performances on Saturday 19th September at 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm. 

The showcase of the community’s contributions and reflections will include song, storytelling, poetry, music, theatre and dance, alongside a silent disco in the woods. The performances are co-commissioned by Wheal Martyn Clay Works and Window into Whitegold as part of the Austell Project, with generous funding from FEAST supported by Arts Council England, and Cornwall Community Foundation.

Gemma Martin, Education Officer at Wheal Martyn, said, “This gentle, family-friendly performance will take the audience on a walk through the woods, taking time to soak up nature whilst being entertained by the talented team of SpinDrift Dance Collective artists as they playfully reflect on what makes our corner of Cornwall feel special. 

Each performance will be for a small group, so everyone will feel relaxed and calmed by the nature around them. You feel a great sense of place – hopefully a true connection to our roots!”

Wheal Martyn are hosting a variety of virtual events and activities for Heritage Open Days – including sharing stories of inspiration from their recent #CelebrateClayCountry exhibition, borne out of a social media campaign during lockdown. In addition, the museum will be sharing an online family dance workshop hosted by Suzie West, alongside creative writing and art activities on their website.

Booking is essential. For more information, please call 01726 850362 or email [email protected].