Mara by Dominic Kelly

It’s 1868. Discharged from the army with malaria, Morten scrapes a living on the edge of Sweden’s ancient forests.

Suddenly he begins to suffer nightmares and mysterious visits as he sleeps. A friend tells him he’s plagued by a Mara - a possessed person who visits another in spirit form. To free himself from the Mara, he must discover their identity. But who is it?

To find out, he begins to closely watch the world around him. But as he becomes aware of his neighbours’ lives and the life of the ancient forest, his own begins to transform…

Entertaining, unsettling and moving, this solo storytelling performance is not only a whodunnit, but a journey into Europe's ancient forests, a dive into the dreamscape of Swedish folklore and an exploration of what it really means to be awake.

PRAISE FOR MARA

“Dominic Kelly conjures an entire world single-handed from an almost empty stage” - Lancaster Guardian, Sept 23

Excellent storytelling… a really stunning, beautifully crafted piece” - South Devon Storytellers, Sept 23

“Brilliant”  - The Gregson Arts & Community Centre, Sept 23

PREVIOUS WORK

“Compelling, funny and heartbreaking” The Times, on ‘Trickster’, 2012

“Storyteller Dominic Kelly catches the mood with unerring skill as he builds an atmosphere of excitement… the end result is quite simply awesome and had the audience entranced.” Dorset Echo, on The Forbidden Door, 2016

"What a treat" The Times, on 'Crow

“ ★★★★★ Gripping and satisfying… a rare event” The Cornishman on The Hero Light

"Breathless and enthralling" The Hindu, Indian national daily, on The Gift

Dominic Kelly’s warm, witty and powerful storytelling style has captivated audiences around the world, from India to the Arctic Circle. His UK venues include the Barbican Pit Theatre, National Theatre, British Museum, and The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Resident in the Lake District, he lived in Sweden for many years. Married into a Swedish family, he knows intimately the landscape, nature, culture & folklore of northern Sweden; in MARA, he takes you on an immersive, unforgettable journey into this place, though experiences we can all relate to.

All tickets include a £1 admin charge

Approx running time 2 hours (including interval)

All purchases for show at the Alma now have a suggested donation to the theatre and inhouse company of £2.00

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The Alma Theatre has been serving the community for 25 years and has never been the recipient of ACE or other funding and were unable to secure the Covid Arts Recovery Fund. We have been offering reduced rates, preferential box office splits and extended promo support to aid the recovery from the past year and a half. Your help will enable us to continue bringing fantastic stories to your local theatre. 50% of your donation will go to the Alma Theatre, and 50% to our inhouse company, Schoolhouse Productions.