"Heathland Wisdom" is a highly valuable resource for both environmental and cultural issues. During the performance, the audience discovers just how the old heathland gypsies made good use of what the heath could provide, and how all of their knowledge was passed on from generation to generation, with no need whatsoever of any written sources of information.

The show was originally commissioned to extol the importance and virtues of heathland, but its usefulness as an 'educational' resource is by no means restricted to this specific purpose: in a culture which nowadays places such absolute importance in literacy - and of course literacy is indeed important - nevertheless, no harm is done at all in promoting an awareness of the fact that the world's cultures have, by no means, always been literate.

Indeed, indigenous non-literate cultures today frequently suffer harshly as a result of the oppressive attitudes of modern-day "literate" world governments, yet it's so important to remember that our own distant predecessors, from whatever culture we all stem, all started out as non-literates.

"Heathland Wisdom" contains much music and song, and is highly informative and thought-provoking, yet the encounter between two gypsies and an Edwardian English gentleman means that there's absolutely no lack of humour! Being just half-an-hour in length, it has proven to work very well in situations where there are plenty of other things going on and attractions to see. Several performances can be scheduled during any given day - thus increasing the number of 'auditors', and these can alternate with other performance-based items.

The show was originally commissioned by English Nature's "Hardy's Egdon Heath Project" and the copyright of the script is held jointly between English Nature and Ray Sargent. However, English Nature are very happy for the show to be booked for performance elsewhere, with the simple proviso that mention is made just before the performance, that the show was commissioned by English Nature: this can be either be done by Ray, or else by a representative of your organisation. English Nature are also very happy to provide printed information for distribution at the same time.

the Gypsy's "Bender"

The Gypsy's "Bender", or dwelling-place, is a fascination in itself, and also a basic requirement for the "set" of "Heathland Wisdom".

It's not absolutely essential to be there although far better if it is, and the building of it can provide a great recreational and educational excercise for a group of youngsters (under adult supervision), and Ray can provide all of the information required.

Interested in discussing this furthar? Just . Ray's team will consider possible performances anywhere in the U.K., and perhaps beyond.

back to top

home page | diary and events