Tapsalteerie, Mitchell Library, 30 September, 2017

In Scotland there was a folklore tradition, prior to the reformation to hold a Festival of Unreason, presided over by a character known, variously, as the Lord of Misrule or more usually, in Scotland, the Abbot of Unreason. This was a topsy-turvy event, where the normal order of things changed for the duration. This is what Tapsalteerie is.
Spoken Word, using both Burns text and readers, plus Scots language poetry and stories, told by writers from all over Scotland. In a central location, showcasing just what can be done with the language and verve. It will be held during Doors Open which will help people find the world turned upside down.
In a Burns context the overlords would become underlings and the common people would rule, the worth of everyman and woman, would be judged in respect of their intrinsic worth and not their ‘guinea stamp’. This is what Tapsalteerie intends.
The language we are gifted in Scotland as our birthright, and so often underplayed, and which Burns extolled, will be the word spoken and acted out in this festival. This is the language Tapsalteerie will use.
Call for Contributors
Marc Sherland is coordinating this event, he wants anyone who recites Burns or writes or performs in Scots to email him marcsherland@me.com
The Mitchell Library, Granville Street, Glasgow G3 7DN
This section: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
Related Pages
- Giant at GFT
- Monster Mash Moogety Garden – Hallowe’en 2025
- I Swear at GFT
- Document Human Rights Film Festival, Glasgow
- Princess Mononoke at GFT
- October 2025 Programme at GFT
- Souleymane’s Story at GFT
- Aye Write 2025: The Pen is Mightier: Edward Tudor Pole with Teddy Jamieson
- Briana Corrigan at Cottiers
- The Smashing Machine at GFT
- Aye Write 2025: Happy, Healthy, Sober – Janey Lee Grace with Frankie Burr
- All Day Horror Madness at GFT
- Resilience – The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope film screening G20Youth
- Shallow Grave, Galoshans Film Festival Greenock
- Mother India – Glasgow
- Gone Too Far plus discussion
- Cottiers – Bar, Restaurant, Theatre, Glasgow West End
- Woodlands Community – Anti Racist Film Club
- Frankenstein at GFT
- Pinocchio – Community Panto
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.