Tuesday 26th August, 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Doors open 7pm.
A tree floats down a river from the mountain and becomes a sacred statue: compassion personified. At the river’s source squats an old, old lady whose fury can eat you alive, or keep you as safe as if you yourself were the mountain. People call her a demon - but once she was a goddess. Maybe. Who is she really? And in a time when youth, beauty and granted wishes are all that matters, who even cares?
For years, the figure of Yamanba has led Laura a merry dance round the mountain to the myths, legends and parables of East Asia - plus the outer reaches of her own unenlightened mind - chasing the echo of a being that can still, if she wants to, raise holy hell.
‘Absolutely splendid! The weaving of the stories is really nicely done … between different aspects of the goddess/mountain demon. By the end I felt this character had always sat in my fictional landscape, I felt really connected with them’
Ace Armande, performance storyteller, on YAMANBA, June 2024
Credits
Created and performed by Laura Sampson
photo credit: @HeardinLondon
About this performance
Age guidance: This performance is recommended for ages 18+
Content warning: There are no content warnings for this performances.
Interval: There will be no interval for this performance.
Tickets: Tickets are Pay What You Can and available to purchase through Eventbrite
Accessibility
This will be a relaxed performance.
See our Accessibility Guide for information about access in our venue.
Find out more about Laura Sampson
Laura Sampson is a British-Caribbean storyteller and writer, based in London. She tells stories of surreal situations and big emotions from all over the world.
For adults, Laura’s unique storytelling style incorporates elements of noh (a medieval Japanese theatre form). She has worked with leading storytelling organisations the Crick Crack Club, StoryJam (UK), and Sagapo Teatro (Italy).
For families, Laura has worked with the V&A, Discover Children's Story Centre, Conductive Music CIC, and Polka Theatre. Her first book, Enchanted Tales, was published in 2023, with a second, Mythical Tales - plus a pop-up Sleeping Beauty - due in Autumn 2025.
laurasampson.co.uk
Instagram: @theotherlaurasampson
City Fringe
City Fringe is our summer series taking place at our Leadenhall Street venue across July to September. Expect an exciting mix of theatre, workshops, storytelling, and family-friendly activities, all at affordable prices. Stay tuned — the full season lineup will be announced soon!
