Songs of the Elder Sisters
'Songs of the Elder Sisters' are a collection of meditative poems written in the wisdom of old age, by the nuns who lived and travelled with the Buddha 2,500 years ago and are the earliest known female canonical writings. The ballet follows the story of an older nun, Ambapali, and her three protégées Sela, Khema and Uppalavana. Ambapali passes on her knowledge to the younger nuns before they embark on a pilgrimage. They are able to use the wisdom they’ve learnt from Ambapali to ward off Mara the Tempter whom they encounter on their journey. The poems have been translated by Francis Booth from the Buddhist Pali canon, and set by Ronald Corp for singers, flute, viola and clarinet.
Choreography: Paul Chantry Lighting design: Owain Davies