Waxen Figures – Summerhall

Muto Major are described as an Audio-visual duo but there are a quartet of performers here, who provide a powerful and contemplative feast for the senses in this primal view through the lens of Scottish folklore. Their show features electronic trance music intermixed with some very beautiful live Gaelic singing, contemporary dance, laser projection bringing Pictish carvings to life and micro-filming of wax and clay figures.

In truth it is not clear what messages are being conveyed, and the slow rhythmic vibe, incense filled atmosphere does have a soporific effect, on me at least. It’s reminiscent of a Body Balance routine.

As if to wake us from our 21st Century sleepwalk, a dancer stops and shouts;

You’ve forgotten your mother tongue

You’ve forgotten your stories

You’ve forgotten your selves

One can hardly argue with the accusation, it is clear that we Scots have forgotten almost everything, the deep oral and material traditions that bound us to our land are all but gone. Crofts turned in to holiday homes and ancient spiritual places, mountains, castles and lochs, now tourist hotspots, the backdrops of Instagram photos or TikTok dance routines.

An enjoyable hour, but confusing and disorientating, but perhaps that’s just the whole point, and sums up our place in the world – lost.

Times and Dates vary, check venue

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/waxen-figures

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 4^th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: 3

Running time – 1hr