Circle Song is written and performed by Ashley Dowds and directed by Caroline Calburn. This memory piece blends elements of play, monologue, and storytelling, delivered from a narrator’s perspective across an arc of time.

Sometimes it channels the voices of people who left Ireland and England to begin new lives in South Africa. At its core, the story is prompted by a real-life event: after a severe brain operation, the narrator’s mother wakes to the world as a fifteen-year-old version of herself.

“Circle Song” is an exploration of time, memory, family history, and the interweaving of personal and historical narratives. It uses fragmented memories, overheard conversations, and historical anecdotes to construct a multi-layered story. The structure moves between personal recollections and broader family history, spanning generations and geographical locations—from Ireland to Africa—exploring the impact of these migrations on subsequent generations and their identities.

This work delves into themes of longing, belonging, and memory, inviting audiences to reflect on their own histories. It has been described as having the same magical quality as Paul Slabolepszy’s *Elvis du Pisanie* and has garnered a Silver Ovation award at the National Arts Festival 2025.

“It is a beautifully crafted work and needs to be produced by one of the major theatres. Be the first to show this piece to the world. It needs to be seen.” — Kate Normington