The Darker Half: An Evening of Storytelling, Music and Dance

About

This Samhain, Charleston and Rough Trade Books come together to welcome in the darker half of the year with a night of folklore, spoken word, music and dance.

Samhain - or Sauin - is the ancient Gaelic festival that marks the turning of the year: the end of harvest and the beginning of winter, the moment when the veil thins and the “darker half” begins. Traditionally celebrated on 1 November, with festivities beginning on the evening of 31 October, it is also the Irish and Scottish Gaelic name for the month of November itself.

Step into the haunting world of Sam Reid's wild new book 'The Pin Jar'. In conversation with Rough Trade editor Will Burns, Reid explores how the stories and superstitions of ancient Sussex fuel his imagination. Poet Camille Ralphs casts 'spels' and other dark poetic magic courtesy of her debut collection 'After You Were, I Am', alongside Jen Calleja who brings her weird and wonderful book 'Goblinhood' to the stage.

Brilliantly rewired folk comes from Angeline Morrison, with elemental, otherworldly songs of heartbreak and loss. And to round out the night, the one and only Boss Morris bring their joyful and unruly Morris dance to Charleston in a very special Samhain performance.

Embrace your darker side as the season turns and the spirits of Samhain cross over.