Cryptic

Formerly know as Theatre Cryptic, this company was one of the creative forces that emerged from Glasgow’s tenure as City of Culture in 1990. Led by the irrepressible Cathy Boyd, they know stage everything from string quartets given a performance twist, through monthly nights at the CCA to full scale modern operas. Boyd herself, a director, writer and arts enthusiast, has become a major figure within Scotland’s arts scene, known forher strong opinions and dynamic energy.
Cryptic works are unashamedly intelligent, pulling at the conventions of performance and often collaborating with diverse artists– including a Latvian choir and Gavin Bryars. Boyd’s voracious appetite for knowledge has been reflected in works that have explored emotional extremity, the depths of the ocean and religious ritual: there seems to be no boundaries on her interests.
A long standing relationship with Tramway has allowed her to create works on a major scale: she is increasingly an international player, and has made connections with scientific as well as artistic communities.
I never miss their shows, which tend to come round every six months, and can be anything from classical music to recovered film footage.