There’s a legend that says the power to shed one’s skin was given to snakes by accident: the gods meant it for us. But instead of being able to shuck off each identity as we grow out of it, our human skins layer up and harden into leather – a Hide, to hide inside.
Inspired by timeless folktales such as THE LINDWORM, Laura Sampson will speak of the challenges she faces as a person of mixed heritage. Is that story’s monster-prince, tricked into shedding his hide to reveal what’s underneath, a way to understand the protective layers of identity Laura’s grandparents had to build when they first arrived in England from Trinidad & Tobago?
What is the cost of growing a thick skin?
Laura Sampson is a performance storyteller and writer whose mixed heritage and myth studies have led her on many adventures. Recent London credits for adult audiences include THREE-CROSSING RIVER (White Conduit Projects), WOMEN WHO GAVE NO FUCKS with Story Jam (Rich Mix; Tobacco Factory), and LEGEND OF THE BURNING BELL (British Library), plus appearances with top storytelling collective The Crick Crack Club. Previous collaborations with Sam Enthoven include THE OLD BLACK DOOR (RADA Studios) THE NEW MIRROR (Bloomsbury Festival), and DEADTOWN (AMP Studios, also with Andrea Aste).
Andrea Aste is an artist, illustrator, animator and designer. He will draw and animate images live to accompany Laura's performance of HIDE. His most recent creations are graphic novel THE BOOK OF SHADOWS, and augmented reality tarot deck ORACULARIUM but his list of credits is extensive, including major theatre productions in his native Italy such as Roberto Piana's ELEFANTI IN FUGA and Arturo Brachetti's PETER AND THE WOLF with the RAI National Symphony Orchestra.
Sam Enthoven used to be a children's author; now he's a sound artist, musician and show creator, exploring the places where sound and story meet. His onstage role in HIDE is to create a live soundtrack and audio world for the show, using old-school sonic contraptions such as contact mics, synths and a uniquely eerie instrument from the dawn of electronic music - the theremin.
Press & Reviews
PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS WORK
Buxton Fringe Review, for PORTENTS (2022) [with Sam Enthoven]
"unique soundscapes and perfectly told tales ...a must-see event"
A Younger Theatre, Alternative Tarot @ Rich Mix [multi-voice show]
****
"An evening of vivid storytelling … the audience is captivated: completely caught in the web weaved by the words gathered from centuries-old tales from around the world."
Bloomsbury Festival 2020 audience for THE NEW MIRROR. [with Sam Enthoven]
"Powerful storytelling and atmospheric soundscape"
Cast & Creative Team Teller + Writer: LAURA SAMPSON
Live Visuals: ANDREA ASTE
Live Sound: SAM ENTHOVEN