Artist interview: Sarah Moody and Hugh Lupton

Master-storyteller Hugh Lupton and acclaimed cellist Sarah Moody bring us 'When the Morning Stars Sang' on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.

In this gripping show, stories that underpin our culture are told with vigour and humour, with rich language and deep magic. As we recognise National Poetry Day on Thursday 1 October, we celebrate the award-winning artistry of author and poet Hugh Lupton whose work spans myths, folk tales, epic narratives and contemporary stories.

Sarah and Hugh have answered some of our questions ahead of their Dorset shows, giving us a taste of what to expect from this spellbinding performance. 

Could you tell us how the idea for When the Morning Stars Sang came about?

(Hugh) During lockdown I became interested in the story of Job (its exploration of human suffering) a story sacred to Christians, Jews & Muslims. This was a new departure for me (I’d always avoided Biblical material). I decided to develop a piece that would celebrate the mythology that these cultures hold in common. The challenge has been to tell the stories as myth (in the same way I might tell Celtic or Norse myth) without disrespect & without any sort of religious overtone. I wanted to link & underpin the stories with music from all three traditions & invited Sarah Moody (in January 2024) to compose a soundscape to be played on the cello as a ‘second voice’ that would be integral to the performance.

How do yours and Hugh's careers complement each other on this project?

(Sarah) I have always respected and enjoyed Hugh’s storytelling and it’s being a real privilege to work with him on this project  - (and fun!) . We both have a lot of experience of working with each other’s art form in performance (Hugh with folk musicians Chris Wood and San Sweeney and me with Daniel Morden and The Devil’s Violin) but each storyteller and musician is different and each show asks for a different musical response. It’s been such a joy to research and arrange the music for these stories. 

It seems that this show is really a chance to hear some tales we might already be familiar with but told through a fresh lense. Could you give us an example that we can look out for? 

(Sarah) This show is very close to my heart and there are so many things I love about it. I love the playful explanation of how some animals got their characteristics, the mix of the magical with the real and the dance between two wise characters. I love the beautiful poetry and the epic descriptions of the earth and heavens and how the characters want to do right by each other - and just because - is also beautifully refreshing. Every time I hear the stories something new strikes me so I’m still enjoying listening to them - and the wonderfully capturing way Hugh tells them of course.

The interweaving together of these stories is key to the show. Why do you feel creating those connections between tales of varying sources is important? 

(Sarah) As I get older, I increasingly feel that recognising what we hold in common is the only real future for humanity. To me, these stories demonstrate this so well. 

What can audiences expect to take away with them after come along to your show? 

(Sarah) People who have seen the show regularly tell us how moved they’ve been, how powerful an experience they have had, the intimately of the performance. People often comment on being transported, transfixed and mesmerised, having lots to take away and think about, having beautiful imagery in their head they will revisit. 

Learn more about the artists: Sarah Moody and Hugh Lupton