Lamesha Ruddock
“Try not to cry,” Wella whispered to me: consider my heartstrings pulled and tear ducts full. This was the most moving piece I witnessed at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.
Welcome to Butetown aka Tiger Bay, where the funerals are iconic, a kaleidoscope of traditions and rituals: gathering, procession, food and music, a genuine celebration of life with an undeniable public presence in South Cardiff. The coffin leads the way and liveliness persists through the horns and accordion and drums and vocals.
Circle of Fifths is community storytelling at its best, sincerely weaving live music, oral history interviews and dance into a human, truly embodied, releasing experience. Born from the voices of Tiger Bay, a multicultural melting pot, Circle of Fifths processes their shared, raw grief and joy and provides a place to collectively laugh, sing and mourn.
Circle of Fifths is an overdue covening to celebrate our loved ones lost during covid. If these rituals can’t be held, how can one feel settled? When do you get to feel your grief? Where do you get to feel your grief?
Led by Anthony “Wella” Corria, Shakeera Ahmun, Francesca Dimech, Kyle Legall and Anthony “Drumtan” Ward, the company moves with such warmth as fascinating storytellers, facilitating reflection and revelment. When “Big tree, small axe” arrives as call and response, the audience gladly sings and dances along. This talented ensemble gently guides us through the circle of life, from the back pew to the front pew.
Ain’t no party like a Butetown funeral, Circle of Fifths show you exactly why.
Recommended Drink: A bottle of Wray’s, libation for the ancestors.
Performances of Circle of Fifths have now concluded at EdFringe 2026.
