witchtrialversion2
witchtrialversion2 was a multidisciplinary work over 2 days for Wonderland Festival 2022. Structured around the printing of a tartan mapping accusations of witchcraft (x-axis: guitly/fugitive, y-axis: innocent/unknown). Aberdeen being the starting point of the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1597. Coinciding with the publication and distribution of
Dæmonologie by King James VI/I the same year.
witchtrialversion2.0.1 and witchtrialversion2.0.2
witchtrialversion2.0.1 was a public shaming of the "accused" ( SAWNEY ). Secured in a pillory in the graveyard of the Kirk of St Nicholas in Aberdeen and surrounded by professional Highland dancers and piper, members of the public were encouraged to throw rotten vegetation at SAWNEY as they cursed the crowd. In the background the church carillon played a score based on the diabolus en musica ringing out for each of the 175 accusations of witchcraft in the Aberdeen area.
Date(s):
01.09.2022
Location:
Kirk of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen
Credits:
Merik Tiz - Sawney, score
Pam Dignan's Highland Dancers
Cameron MacLeod - bagpipes
Oliver Benton - recordings
Date(s):
01.09.2022
Location:
Kirk of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen
Credits:
Merik Tiz - prints, which?
Oliver Benton - recordings
Mops Bökket - transport
witchtrialversion2.0.3
witchtrialversion2.0.3 took part inside the church, with a backdrop showing footage from the previous performances. A dot matrix printer was fitted with contact microphones printed out the 175 long print across the church floor. While the printer's frequencies were manipulated the names of the accused was recited, accompanied by an automated bagpipe and two drummers who improvised over the machine's changing functions.
Date(s):
10.09.2022
Location:
Wonderland Festival Kirk of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen
Credits:
Merik Tiz - which?, voice, pibroch, video
Peter Garrow - drums
Bry Middleton - drums
Supported by Aberdeen Performing Arts