THE ruined Abbeys of the Scottish Borders are layered in history.

Deeply rooted in medieval Christian mysticism and home to Premonstratesian, Tironensians, Cistercians and Augustinian orders, these great examples of medieval architecture became caught up in the anarchic struggles between Scotland and England and then finally destroyed by the reformation.

But they are about to be brought back to life.

Dudendance’s new large scale outdoor production Borderlands draws on the juxtaposition of spirituality and war in a meditative interpretation of invasion, conquest and contemplation.

Dudendance have bought together performers, international guest artists and the local community in a highly visual landscape theatre with costumes designed by Heather MacCrimmon.

Borderlands will be set within three prominent Abbey sites of Kelso, Jedburgh and Dryburgh. Historically the Borders were one of the most turbulent and anarchic places in Britain with constant disputes during the Scottish Wars of Independence.    2014 will see the Scottish Referendum and the celebration of World War I and Borderlands will be a poetic metaphor, a subtle evocation of what it means to be invaded.  Inspired by paintings of the Renaissance, the costumes by Canadian designer Heather MacCrimmon are stylistically a combination of ecclesiastical wear and armor designed for shape-shifting and movement flow.

The slow meditative pace and sculptural quality of the performance unfolds like a dream around the audience who will discover different “views” of the performers through and into the ruins.  Technical production will be minimal allowing the piece to become one with the space. The aim is to give the audience new perspectives of these historic places and to fully engage participants in a unique performing experience.

ANDATE Chamber choir will accompany Borderlands in Dryburgh Abbey with a rendition of Tomas Luis de Victoria’s requiem mass and Argentine composer/musician Fabiana Galante will create a spoken and whispered soundscape with Huntly based Eastdale choir.

The piece is being created with a large cast drawn from the local community through a series of intensive workshops and rehearsals.

The Borders cast consists of professionals, non-professionals, young people and international artists.

Kelso - June 14 at 2pm at the Market Square. Admission free.

Starting point at the Wood Market then promenading through Abbey Row into the church-yard and abbey grounds.

Jedburgh - June 22 from 2pm at Abbey. Historic Scotland site - admission charges apply.

Dryburgh - 28 from 2pm. Historic Scotland site - admission charges apply.