The Open Eye Theater

960 Main St.

Margaretville, NY 12455

Saturday, Jan 18 at 6pm

Saturday, Feb 15 at 6pm

Saturday, Mar 22 at 6pm

​

Inspired by Appalachian ballads - old English, Scottish, and Irish folk songs carried over to early North America - the ballads are presented through live music, song, dance, and puppetry. Potential satellite performances in unique locations around the Catskill Region will be posted here and on The Ballad Tree page.

​

The Ballad Tree embraces the oral tradition of ballads while acknowledging their journey of modification with new interpretations and inspirations. Focusing on the romantic “Murder Ballads” the songs will include both popular and lesser-known ballads as well as original ballad-inspired music and dance.

​

Akin to fairytales, the ballads speak to challenging emotions and situations. Despite their dark themes, there is a serene beauty and awe in their trance-like, emotional states.

​

“As long as people love a story and their senses respond to sound and movement, the ballad tree, rooted in the past, living today, will send forth its branches into tomorrow.” – Evelyn Wells