Mona Kastell ecoscenographer 🌱

'The Red Tree' and M.E. - One leaf at a time: an international art project to raise further awareness of ME and the need for funding for research, treatments and a cure. Open Up by Mona Kastell This leaf holds the view from my window — a small patch of the world I’ve come to know intimately while living homebound with ME Long Covid. Inside it, I’ve filled the page with all the life I long to return to: birds, insects, animals, flowers, trees. The wildness that continues whether I can join it or not. The cut-out leaf is a reminder that this is only one season of my life. Even in stillness, I am part of nature’s cycle — connected, changing, becoming. “I am free to open up to life.” A quiet hope that healing, like spring, will come in its own time. #theredtree #theredtreeandme #chronicillness #livingwithlongcovid #creativity #windowview

This is a deeply meaningful project I’ve been part of —gently, and in small moments over the past two years, in a very small way—just a few days here and there, as my energy allowed. It’s been the most fitting final collaboration I could have hoped for. To end on a poignant project that invites us to reflect on what it means to protest amid climate and political upheaval - with care, embodiment, and deep listening—has felt like a quiet blessing. This marks the last project I’ve contributed to, and with it, the closing of my chapter in the creative industry. I’m no longer working, as I continue to honour rest, healing, and what comes next. The project centred accessibility by supporting team members with access needs, including myself, - my participation shaped by fluctuating capacity. It highlighting the ongoing impact of conditions such as Long Covid in the creative industries, and the importance of normalising access support for all artists and workers as part of building more inclusive and holistic sustainable ways of working. Grateful to have been involved in even a small way. 🌿 Penny Chivas – Where We Choose To Stand Premiering at Tramway, 19–20 September 2025 🔗 tramway.org/event/5eecede6-0fe0-4278-ae9c-b2fe00c4a75b Photography: Brian Hartley Lead artist: Penny Chivas Composer: Nicolette Macleod Ecoscenographer: Mona Kastell Lighting Design: Laurie Loads Producer: Sheena Miller (the Rural Touring Agency) Sustainability Collaborator: Katy Dye Outside Eye: Skye Reynolds Choreographic Mentorship: Dora Frankel Dramaturg: Emma Jayne Park Audio Cleaner: Sonia Killmann Marketing & PR: Wendy Niblock Project support workers: Amy Dakin Harris, Hannah Deus Draper & Elspeth Thomson Thanks to Patricia Suarez, Anne Kjær and Alasdair Sim and Collaborator Workshops #humanrights #dissabilityrights #stopoil #freepalastine #freedomforall

We're heading back into rehearsals tomorrow for 'Where We Choose to Stand' ahead of our premiere at Tramway in September. Beginning to look at Lighting Design with Laurie Loads, and final work from Nicolette Macleod (pictured on the fourth slide) and Mona Kastell. We'll be in Lyra, Edinburgh and will have a sharing on Friday the 4th of July in the morning. Please do get in touch if you'd like to come. 'Where We Choose to Stand' is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, and development has been supported by The Work Room, Dance Base, Dance City, City Moves and Tramway. Photos by Brian Hartley, Stillmotion from recent The Work Room sharing. @stillmotionarts Ecoscenographer: Mona Kastell Producer: Sheena Miller (the Rural Touring Agency) Sustainability Collaborator: Katy Dye @katy__dye Outside Eye: Skye Reynolds Choreographic Mentorship: Dora Frankel Dramaturg: Emma Jayne Park @sortofchaos Audio Cleaner: Sonia Killmann Marketing & PR: Wendy Niblock Project support workers: Amy Dakin Harris & Hannah Deus Draper Thanks to Patricia Suarez, Anne Kjær, Alasdair Sim and Collaborator Workshops #pennychivas #danceinscotland #danceactivism #theatregreenbook #eco #creativescots @creativescots

UPDATE: Thank you for all the kind words and reflections. I wasn’t expecting so many responses, and it’s touched me deeply. I’m taking my time to sit with it all and truly appreciate the care. ....... 20 years in the theatre world and 2 years post official Long Covid diagnosis… the time has come to close the door on my studio space. This month marks the end of my tenancy at @thescotart St Margaret’s House — home to my creativity for 13 years. An emotional milestone after pouring so much of my creative life into this space. For now, I’m “retiring” from the industry—for now. Letting go of what no longer fits, not because the love or passion is gone, but because the illness has made it impossible to continue in the ways I once could. My nervous system, my energy, my brain—all ask for a different pace, a different way of being. This move has taken a huge amount of cognitive, physical, emotional, and mental energy. It’s taken me weeks to regather enough spoons to share this with you. So here I am, at a threshold I didn’t ask for, but one I’m choosing to meet with as much grace and courage as I can. Peeling back layers. Making space for something new. It’s not a defeat, but a part of my journey. A necessary step in honouring where I am, and where I might be heading. Thank you to everyone who shared this space with me in different ways over the years—from studio buddies to collaborators, visitors, and kind souls who passed through. Your presence, creativity, and care made this space more than just four walls—it became a home for ideas, connection, and shared moments I’ll always hold dear. Deep gratitude to the few dear friends and my Mum! who held me through this transition. Endings are rarely tidy. But in the mess and grief, I’m stepping into the unknown—with a body that asks for slowness and a heart learning to trust that uncertainty isn’t emptiness, but possibility. Keep an eye on this space while I transform and embody Creativity & Wellbeing for Wholeness. #edinburghpalette #StMargaretsHouse #EndOfAnEra #LongCovid #CreativeLife #LettingGo #TheatreArtist #PacingWithPurpose #SpaceToHeal #TrustTheProcess #ecoscenographer #livingwithLongCovid #MECFS

As I celebrate my 40th this week (14th March), stepping into a new decade marks a shift in how I see myself, embracing the wisdom that comes with age and the deepening of my connection to both my inner world and the world around me. I am reminded that I am in a deep introspection chapter. This week is also #LongCovidAwareness Day on 15th March —the 5th since this whole Covid shebang began. For some, these past five years haven’t been about moving on but about being stuck—ill, homebound, locked down while the world carries on. Before Long Covid, I thrived in my work as an ecological theatre designer & shamanic practitioner, deeply connected to creativity, Nature, and movement. Travel, dance, & collaboration filled my days. But then, everything changed. Now, life revolves around careful energy management, navigating fluctuating symptoms of severe fatigue, dizziness, tachycardia and breathlessness, among others - mainly homebound and using mobility aids while advocating for accessibility and support. Long Covid is invisible, and recovery is non-linear. I’ve learned that surrender is not giving up—it's healing. Through pacing, rest, and community, I’m finding new ways to live. Long Covid has taken much from me, but it has also deepened my understanding of resilience, rest, self-compassion and the need for systemic change. We deserve to be heard, supported, and cared for—not just when we are at our worst, but always. 💜 Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference: Believe us, respect our limits, & offer practical support. ✨ We need: better accessibility, healthcare reform, and research funding. Holding space for everyone still fighting for recognition, care, and recovery. There is always hope for better days ahead, and together we can create the support and change needed to move forward. 🌿 . . . . . #LongCovid #ChronicIllness #NeuroImmuneIllness #RestIsResistance #ChronicFatigue #PoTS #AccessibleHealthcare #HealthcareReform #InvisibleDisabilitty #LivingWithLongCovid #SupportAndCare #ChronicIllnessCommunity #BeforeAndAfter #MillionsMissing

I made a wee fabric banner to be added as part of the @LongCovidSupport Banner, "a collective tapestry representing people living with Long Covid and their caregivers. This banner will be the centrepiece of our Long Covid Awareness Day campaign on March 15th 2025." Can you gess which one is mine? 🙂 ❤ . . . . . The second one it is indeed, well spotted! Made from costumes remnants, it is the outline of the Pentlands hills, my favourite view so close to home. It's made from lace to symbolize the harsh yet fragile journey of recovery. Surrender stands for releasing resistance and fully accepting where you are in the present moment, listening to each symptoms and their messages. It’s not about giving up—it’s about letting go of the struggle against what is so that healing can unfold. Surrender is a deep trust in the process, allowing life to flow and accepting your limitations with compassion. It’s a shift from fighting to allowing, from fear to trust, and from resistance to openness 🙏🌻💫 . . . . . #longcovidsupport #longcovidawareness #recovery #chronicillness #selfcompassion #surrender #acceptancr

Not posting as much for the last year or so, retreating for deep rest, supporting the recovery process. I've been reconnecting with Art for the sake of it, not for work, having lost any passion for it. It's been a journey, channeling my inner Frida painting in bed 🌺 . . . . . #longcovidawareness #artistswellbeing #rest #covidjustice #wellbeing #PoTs #cat #painting #64millionartists

As we head towards a new year, let's be grateful for what we have and help bring hope to those who have nothing left. This fundraiser is by @mrs_roundhouse and her friend Nessreen Saleh living in Gaza, raising funds for families on the ground in Gaza. Every small donation is essential for their continued survival. . . . . . #pinsforpeace #palestine #palestinelivesmatter #WeAreOne

Working as an artist with a chronic illness following a post-viral infection has turned my world upside down. My capacities have significantly diminished, and my accessibility rider is ever-evolving to meet my changing needs. This photo shows me lying down during last month 2-day R&D, with Penny Chivas ('Where we choose to stand' at Tramway). PoTS makes it hard for me to remain standing or even seated, draining a lot of energy and often forcing me to pause and rest—despite having a day off between work sessions. I’m so thankful for those who’ve pushed for accessibility to be a priority in the Arts, though it still requires plenty of self-advocacy. It was a difficult decision, but I won’t be taking on any more work for now and have cancelled my winter teaching at RCS for now, as the combined cognitive, physical, and spiritual demands have simply become too overwhelming. Right now, I’m making extra room for recovery—learning that the most creative choice is to honour my health first. This is a long chapter of healing, and I know I am to re-emerge as myself again—challenges and all—carrying deeper self-knowledge forward. Performer/Choreographer: @PennyChivas Composer: @nicolettemacleodmusic Ecoscenographer: @mkecodesign Project support worker: @hannahdeusdraper Producer: Rural Touring Agency Sustainability Collaborator: @katy__dye Supported by @glasgowtramway , the National Lottery through @creativescots . . . . . #creativescots #accessibilityinthearts #ChronicIllness #PostViral #PoTS #InvisibleIllness #AccessibleArts #DisabilityInTheArts #ArtistJourney #AdaptiveArt #LongCovid #EnergyManagement #RestIsRecovery #SpoonieLife #SelfCareFirst #WellbeingMatters #InclusivePractice

Welcoming Light, one day at a time Welcoming Dark, one day at a time . . . . . #wintersolstice #shadowwork

Delighted to be able to share some stills from 'Where we choose to stand' from our Tramway residency back at the end of November, with the original footage by Alan Paterson. This footage also gives the first glimpses of Mona's work on our signature orange vest. Performer/Choreographer: Penny Chivas Composer: Nicolette Macleod @nicolettemacleodmusic Ecoscenographer: Mona Kastell @mkecodesign Project support worker: Hannah Draper @hannahdeusdraper Producer: Rural Touring Agency Outside Eye: Skye Reynolds @skye.reynolds.31 Audio Cleaner: Sonia Killmann @soniakillmann_sound Sustainability Collaborator: Katy Dye @katy__dye Admin Support: Mina Heydari-Waite @minaheydariwaite This R&D supported by Tramway and the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. @creativescots @glasgowtramway #creativescots #nluk

I've been working with @draislingquiery through Compassionate Inquiry to address the effects of Long Covid. Despite years of wellness practices, Covid overwhelmed my nervous system, leaving me in a constant fight-or-flight state and regulation became challenging. Her podcast discussing compassion in medicine, really resonated with me: /2024/09/episode-12-compassion-in-medicine-with-dr-aisling-quiery/. Aisling’s experiences reflect much of what I’ve been through. A patient's question about the link between childhood issues and physical symptoms was dismissed with, "Don’t be silly," which struck a chord. Medical gaslighting is a pervasive issue, where doctors often ignore insights from those who have lived in their bodies for decades. In my case, years of mental health struggles were dismissed, only for me to discover I have CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), where those are symptoms, not root causes. I was prescribed medication that muted my emotional responses, making it physically impossible to cry. I needed to listen to my body’s signals, a lesson I first learned through transpersonal therapy years ago. As Aisling says, "Symptoms become an ally that something is going on in our life." I was also told my experience with PEM (Post-Exertional Malaise) couldn't be used as evidence, despite frequent crashes after minimal exertion, like a short walk or a simple cognitive task. Years of having my health concerns dismissed led me to doubt my instincts and rely on professional advice as the ‘only truth,’ ultimately leaving me feeling invalidated and worsening my symptoms. Such disregard for patient experiences complicates understanding and managing these conditions. Now, as a shamanic practitioner, I see even more clearly the critical role of listening to the body’s messages and developing intuition. The healer's role is to empower individuals to heal themselves, not to act as the ultimate authority.