Yarn Storytelling Festival Bray 2014

mermaid arts centre presents

15 - 23 november 2014

For full details of all YARN events please visit www.mermaidartscentre.ie

15 - 23 november 2014

M

ermaid Arts Centre is delighted to bring you YARN, our Storytelling Festival, for the fifth year running. Stories bring people together, it’s how we learn, confide and share.

Stories make us consider life, make us think and cry but best of all they make us laugh. This year we’ll be spinning yarns everywhere, in schools, restaurants, pubs, coffee-shops, nursing homes and in Mermaid itself.

Stories are nothing without listeners so please come along and join in – whether you wish to share a tale at the open mic night or just want to listen and let a story weave its magic on you.

This year we are very excited to have the help of Jack Lynch, Chairperson of Storytellers of Ireland, as guest curator of the festival. Jack’s sharp wit and infectious enthusiasm for life are contagious. Be warned!

The festival is a community based non-profit making series of events, funded by Mermaid with support from local partners. Without this support, we would not be able to bring you such a broad and varied number of events.

We are very grateful to all who contribute both their stories, time and support and we want to share it with you – our audience.

Aoife Demel

Mermaid Arts Centre

H

ow do we account for the magic of storytelling? This oral art which pre-dates the earliest forms of writing is an unerring human response to memorable experience. Our cave-dwelling ancestors drew around the fire and told of the day's adventures, the hunting and gathering. The fire cast moving shadows as the teller sparked the imagination with images. You can be sure that the account of the sabretoothed tiger-that-got-away grew in the telling. Whether it be in the cave, the desert, the teepee or in the cottage, the fire was the heart/hearth of the community. In Ireland the wireless and more modern media may have replaced the seanchaí as the focus of local culture but the everyday craft of storytelling has survived as a vibrant phenomenon, shared in libraries, schools, prisons, care centres and festivals.

The story lulls small ones to sleep and often keeps the big people awake. Tales have made their way across seas and down through the centuries. And there are always new tales to be shared. We need to retrieve our own stories of community and family. In Mali they have a saying, “When an old person dies it is like a library burning to the ground.”

Bray can be proud of its home-grown YARN Storytelling Festival, which in the few short years of its growth has developed a reputation as one of Ireland's most vibrant storytelling extravaganzas. Feast your eyes on this rich programme that reaches in all directions into the community offering something for all ages and interests.

As Philip Pullman says, “The tale is not a text”. The story is endlessly recreated in the telling. This is an immediate and interactive art where the listener is essential to the shared experience. We invite you to be one of those listeners. And bring yer granny.

Jack Lynch Jack Lynch is guest curator of YARN Storytelling Festival Bray 2014 and chairman of Storytellers of Ireland/Aos Scéal Éireann. www.storytellersofireland.org

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Mermaid Arts Centre Sat 15 Nov 10am, 11.30am, 1pm €6 Age Suitability: 2-4yrs

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful Bugs A fabulous array of bugs, bees, butterflies and other flying-crawlingcreeping creatures, which the children will make using all sorts of recycled and arty materials, will go on a fantastic adventure together with a little help from storyteller Paul Timoney. This session will be an anthill full of fun, silliness, creativity and imagination.

Parents and guardians go free.

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Killruddery Farm Market Sat 15 Nov 2pm Free Age Suitability: 2-4yrs

the sun and the Moon faMily storytelling - Rónán Ó Snodaigh

Have you ever heard about the row between the Sun and the Moon? Or tales about the first people in Ireland? Or stories about the Little People? Let Rónán weave his magic on you in the Stable Studio beside the Farm Market. Using short stories and music, Rónán will take you on a magical journey.

Kindly sponsored by Cuidiú - North Wicklow.

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Little Bray Youth Heritage Orchard Little Bray Community Centre, Fassaroe Sat 15 Nov 3.30pm Age suitability: 5+

Beneath the Branches faMily storytelling - Jack Lynch

As the newly planted youth orchard takes firm root, join storyteller Jack Lynch beneath the trees for family tales. All welcome. If the weather is bad, the storytelling will be indoors so come and join us come rain or shine!

Storyteller sponsored by Mermaid, refreshments will be served, compliments of the Little Bray Resource Centre.

Mermaid Arts Centre Sat 15 & Sun 16 6pm 竄ｬ12/10

Age suitability: 16+

Medicated Milk By

dancer ﾃ（ne stapleton

Dancer, writer and musician, Lucia Joyce was a talented and courageous woman. The idea that she was insane remains unproven. Lucia spent her life under the control of her father James Joyce, mother Nora and brother Georgio, before dying alone in a psychiatric hospital in 1982. Her time in Ireland, in particular Bray, during the 1930s was one of her few moments of freedom.

Working directly from Lucia's writings, ﾃ（ne in collaboration with Jose Miguel Jimenez (film), Neil O Connor/Somadrone (music) and Sarah Bacon (set) will retell the story of this misunderstood artist. Supported by Wicklow County Arts Office New Projects in the Arts (2014-15) programme and Dance Ireland's Residency Support Award.

This event will take place in the Gallery Space and will be unreserved seating.

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The Harbour Bar (Upstairs) Sat 15 Nov 8pm €10 Limited capacity, early booking advised

the rose lawless caBaret Mermaid Arts Centre and The Harbour Bar are delighted to bring you The Rose Lawless Cabaret. Described as intelligent, risky, at times uncomfortably raw, this show features entirely original songs and material. Rose Lawless is the alter-ego of Anne Lillis, actor, singer/ songwriter and cabaret artist. Anne's musical collaborator is Julie Cruickshank, an experienced musician with a background in jazz and classical piano. Anne and Julie have been working together for over five years and have an intuitive, improvised nature to their performance.

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy The Rose Lawless Cabaret in this unique, intimate setting. To book tickets please call Mermaid’s Box Office on 01-2724030. Ocean Bar & Grill Meal & Show offer: Please phone 01-2865071 (2 courses & show for €32)

Mermaid Arts Centre Sat 15 Nov 8pm €10/8

claire keegan & Bernard Maclaverty presented By poetry ireland & wicklow county arts office A highlight event of YARN sees two of Ireland's practitioners of the short story read from and discuss their work. With just two collections, Claire Keegan has established herself as one of the best short story writers around. For over 40 years, Bernard MacLaverty’s career has encompassed everything from film directing to opera librettos, but it is to the short story that he has returned time and again. MacLaverty explores the small but significant moments in everyday lives, mixing keen observation with dark humour.

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The Strand Hotel Sat 15 Nov 9pm Free

the singers’ circle Sometimes, the most interesting things happen when space is left for spontaneity. Bray Singers’ Circle promotes the ancient traditional art of impromptu singing similar to that of the sean-nós tradition.

Experience for yourself an evening of laid-back, organic storytelling through song. There’s no set menu of songs on offer, just an opportunity to turn up and see where the night takes you. Acoustic self-accompaniment welcome. Special YARN guests.

Mermaid Arts Centre Sun 16 Nov 11-2pm €20 includes tea & pastries

discover your stories workshop with storyteller catherine Brophy Everyone has stories… funny uncles, strange neighbours, weird cousins, near misses, tragic accidents, romances, ghosts, meetings with famous people… but most of us don’t realise just how many stories we have.

This workshop will help you discover your stories and, when you’ve found them, will give you simple guidelines to help them come alive.

We’ll do some relaxation and guided imagining. We’ll do some fun pretending. We will help and encourage and learn from one another.

We’ll do some sharing in twos. We’ll do some sharing in the group. We will laugh, have a good time and we’ll learn a whole lot. So come along, bring your friends. Booking advised.

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Mermaid Arts Centre Sun 16 Nov 3-5pm Free - No booking necessary Age Suitability: 2+

Betelnut faMily fun day The Betelnut Café at Mermaid invites you to a free family fun day in acknowledgment of your continued support throughout the year.

Kids will be entertained with cupcake decorating, face-painting and of course…stories galore! With special guest magician Mickey Bubbles, prepare to be blown away! Always a highlight of YARN.

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The Strand Hotel Sun 16 Nov 4pm Free Age Suitability: 4-104yrs

the fairytales of oscar wilde storytelling - philip Byrne

Join Bray storyteller Philip Byrne as he takes us on a magical journey through his interpretation of the fairy tales of Oscar Wilde. What better location than in The Strand, where Wilde once lived, taking his inspiration from the wonderful surroundings.

The stories are suitable for all ages so what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Afternoon tea available.

Kindly sponsored by Finnegan Bray.

Holland’s Lounge Mon 17 Nov 8pm Free

open Mic night They say everyone has a story in them. Have you a tale you’d love to tell? Storyteller Jack Lynch, Chair of Storytellers of Ireland, will open the floor in Holland’s Lounge and then pass the mic.

So whether you are itching to share a story or just fancy sitting back and having a good listen, come along and share in the YARN spirit.

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The Harbour Bar Tue 18 Nov 8-11pm Free

the circle sessions The Circle Sessions is a unique night of spoken word poetry, music, storytelling and performance. We invite both seasoned performers and complete newcomers to come and contribute to the circle with whatever medium they choose. This creates an encouraging, open and collaborative environment where spontaneity and creativity flourish. We bridge the gap between audience and performer, allowing anyone to come and express themselves and recently brought our sessions to Electric Picnic, Ireland's biggest music festival. Each person performs one piece at a time, whether that be a of song, story, poem, monologue... anything. In our three hour sessions, each performer usually gets a chance to perform three or four pieces, lasting approx two-four mins in length each. The format is fluid and self-expressions is encouraged. Come down and join in!

Frank Duff’s Lounge Tue 18 Nov 9pm Free

Pat Speight A highlight of this year’s YARN, we are delighted to welcome Pat Speight to Bray. Carrying on the timeless art and oral tradition of storytelling for young and old, Pat specialises in traditional Irish tales, folk tales from the fireplaces of Ireland. Pat has stories to make you laugh, to make you cry and to scare and cheer, stories about animals and birds, kings and warriors, saints and sinners, witches and magicians, pickpockets and ghosts, fairies and mermaids and mythical, mystical characters that inspire and captivate the imagination. In Bray for one night only, do not miss your chance to hear his tales.

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Little Bray Community Centre Wed 19 Nov 1pm Free

international Men’s day Calling all men! In celebration of International Men’s Day, join storyteller Jack Lynch for some hilarious lunch-time tales in Little Bray Community Centre. Dublin-born Jack is rooted in the scéalaí tradition. He has been a teller at local arts festivals and at Irish storytelling festivals for many years. Guest curator at this year’s YARN, don’t miss your chance to hear his tales.

"A magical word of nods, winks and dry subtle witticisms…the match of anything for sheer imagination and vitality." –Hotpress

Mermaid Arts Centre Wed 19 Nov 8pm €25

gay Byrne Following sell-out shows last year, this is an exclusive chance to enjoy Gay Byrne at his best in a live performance telling some of the greatest show-biz stories never told in a hilarious evening’s entertainment. In his five decade broadcasting career, Gay Byrne hosted The Late Late Show from 1962 to 1999. At 77, he’s now in happy semi-retirement. During his exhilarating two hour plus show, he talks about all the extraordinary moments he has witnessed or been at the centre of. “... exhilarating...superb...ingenious...a thoroughly enjoyable evening” –Irish Times.

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Epworth Hall Thurs 20 Nov 10 -11am Free Age Suitability: 2-4yrs

lorcan the laMB Lorcan the Lamb brings his Storyteller Daria Marie Walsh along to translate for him and tell you his stories. Lorcan the Lamb comes from County Donegal where he lives on a busy farm with his family, many other animals and his two best friends: The Little Boy and Saoirse the Fairy. Daria has told the tales of Lorcan in her Storytelling CD “The Wonderful World of Lorcan the Lamb and His Woolly Coat”, all over Ireland and in the U.S. Come along and share an adventure with Lorcan the Lamb.

Kindly sponsored by Cuidiú - North Wicklow.

Mermaid Arts Centre Thurs 20 Nov 11.30am €12/10

Michael collins – Magpies on the pylon Magpies on the Pylon is set in a tiny bedroom belonging to Jim, a traveller father who struggles to cope with the suicide of his 23-year old son. After his son’s death, Jim has become isolated from other family members and is misusing alcohol. The audience accompanies Jim on an emotional roller-coaster ride as he articulates loving memories of his son, his fears for the well-being of his other three children, the turmoil that has developed in his relationship with his wife, his anger at God, and his agonising questions about whether there was something he could have done to prevent his son’s death. This one-man play is written and performed by well-known actor and playwright Michael Collins.

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Mermaid Arts Centre Thurs 20 Nov 3pm Free - Booking advised

lifestories – the story so far

klawitter theatre group in collaBoration with lifeMusic

A unique blend of music theatre and improvisation inspired by recent work with older people in residential care. The Lifestories project aims to bring to life memories, reflections and feelings of older people through a combination of humour, passion, energy and spontaneous music making. Since January 2014 Klawitter’s Hedda Kaphengst and Rod Paton, founder and director of Lifemusic, have been running regular workshops and performances in selected care homes. This presentation grows directly out of this work.The project confronts directly issues involved in the aging process touching on meaning, significance, memory and loss. We intend this show to present the realities of later life through creative exploration of narratives as they are recalled and re-imagined. The performance will include an element of audience participation.

The Harbour Bar (Upstairs) Thurs 20 Nov 8pm €5 payable at the door in aid of RNLI Dun Laoghaire

theo dorgan – stay in the Boat: tales froM the sea The appeal of the sea is as old as mankind. For Theo Dorgan, renowned poet, prose writer, editor and translator, the vast ocean had become "a place I can call, in absolute simplicity, home”. The Harbour Bar and Mermaid Arts Centre are thrilled to welcome Theo to recount some of his tales from the sea as part of YARN. Sit back, relax and let Theo take you on a voyage. This is a benefit evening in aid of the RNLI Lifeboats Dun Laoghaire. Please come along and show your support.

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Celtic Youth Bray Club The Little Flower Hall Fri 21 Nov 8pm All welcome (Age suitability 12-18 years) Free

no! really? unBelievaBle

But true stories

Come and join German storyteller Simone Schuemmelfeder for an evening of true stories, legends and myths that will send shivers down your spine and maybe warm your heart...Listen to tales of unexpected encounters, unusual visitors and unbelievable courage in the face of danger. Dare to listen and be enchanted by stories from all over the world. Kindly sponsored by Bray Credit Union.

Mermaid Arts Centre Fri 21 Nov 8pm €25/22

echoes of hoMe the solo piano of phil coulter Up in that Pantheon inhabited by the biggest selling recording artists of all time in Ireland, rubbing shoulders with Bono and the boys, you might be surprised to bump into Phil Coulter. He has performed with everyone from James Galway and the London Symphony Orchestra to Nanci Griffith and The Blue Moon Orchestra, not to mention Henry Mancini, Elmer Bernstein and Quincy Jones. He has written at least four titles that can be added to the list of Great Irish Songs –The Town I Loved So Well, Ireland’s Call, Scorn Not His Simplicity and Steal Away. Phil will be joined by his special guest Geraldine Branagan for an unforgettable evening of music and song.

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Killruddery Farm Market Sat 22 Nov 12pm Free Age suitability: 5+

tip top tales with tangles, twists and turns faMily storytelling – pat ryan

Folk and fairy tales, riddles and rhymes and word games for all the family. Funny and silly stories, fantastic and amazing adventures, and maybe something weird and wonderful. These are stories gathered from many people and places and meant to warm up eyes and ears, hearts and hands on a misty November afternoon.

Kindly sponsored by Killruddery House & Gardens.

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Mermaid Arts Centre Sat 22 Nov 3pm €8 / Family of four for €30 Age Suitability: 4+

goldilocks and the three Bears presented By

MiriaM laMBert

Imagine a storybook that comes alive! Miriam Lambert, from the well-known Lambert family of puppeteers, brings to life Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the classic tale of a little girl who pays a visit to the home of the adorable baby bear. You’ll also meet Peek and Boo – her signature characters – who open the performance with their slapstick comedy. Devised, written and performed by Miriam Lambert, this captivating performance takes place within her original two-tier puppet booth.

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Mermaid Arts Centre Sat 22 Nov 8pm €10

A Feast of Folk Tales A highlight of YARN Storytelling Festival Bray. This year’s YARN guest curator Jack Lynch is joined on stage by top class and much travelled storytellers Suse Weisse and Pat Ryan for an evening of folk tale magic from around the world. Jack's store of traditional stories and his own scurrilous mix of tall tales have been festival favourites in the past. Suse Weiss travels to Mermaid from Germany, where she has a long-standing reputation as one of the country’s best tellers. Pat Ryan, originally from Chicago, brings over three decades of storytelling magic to Mermaid. Special guest appearance by Bray's own The Racker Donnelly. A lip-smacking feast is guaranteed for all.

Common Ground Church Terrace Sun 23 Nov 12pm Free Age Suitability: 5+ ly

coMMon ground tales

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faMily storytelling – suse weisse

Mermaid Arts Centre and Common Ground are delighted to bring you a fun family storytelling session with renowned German storyteller Suse Weisse, in Bray for one weekend only so don't miss out! Admission is free. Sponsored by Mermaid with kind support from Common Ground.

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Cliff Walk (Meet at Raheen Car Park) Sun 23 Nov 2pm Free Age Suitability: 8+

talk the walk – cliff walk stories with philip Byrne Join Bray storyteller Philip Byrne for his annual YARN storytelling walk – a gentle stroll along Bray’s spectacular cliff walk, along the side of Bray Head, overlooking the sea. Soak up the beautiful views while absorbing the very best in storytelling magic. This is an outdoor event which will take place come hail, rain or shine so wrap up and enjoy! Kindly sponsored by Johnny Daly Irish Folk Tours.

The Martello (Function Room) Sun 23 Nov 4pm €5 (Includes Tea & Scone) Booking advised

wild woMen & witches an evening of storytelling & song

Three accomplished storytellers/performers – Catherine Brophy, Órla Mc Govern and Niceol Blue bring us tales and songs of the witch and the wild woman – whether she be the strange girl in the forest, the exotic temptress, the misunderstood witch or perhaps even the lady next door who has long held on to her strange secrets. This powerful programme of varied tales and tunes, both dark and light, funny and serious, will be sure to delight.

To book tickets please call Mermaid's Box Office on 01-2724030.

Kindly supported by The Martello.

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2015 call out for 2015 yarn

Industrial Yarns of Bray For many years people not only lived in Bray but worked in Bray. Sadly many of the factories that offered so much employment are no more. Solus, Industrial Yarns, Kennymore Sweets, The Glass Factory, Haughtons, The Wallpaper Factory, Beverly Bags and many more are now just names not even known to today’s generation.

Did you or a family member work in any of these factories? Do you have photographs of the people who worked there? Do you have pictures of the factories themselves? Most important of all do you have any stories about working there or about the people and the times in which they lived and worked?

A call is going out for any such stories and memorabilia to help put together the story of Bray’s industrial past.

The project is being called Industrial Yarns and will form part of next year’s YARN Festival.

If you have any information or know someone who has, please contact Philip Byrne on 087 2627806 or email philip@positiveoutcomes.ie Photo: Solus factory floor, courtesy of BRAY - DID YOU KNOW...?

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yarn-Martello package

Not from Bray? Fancy coming to us for a mini-break?

Enjoy a weekend full of culture at the annual YARN Storytelling Festival Bray, with a great offer of one of the following YARN-Martello packages:

Two-Night Package (Fri 21 – Sun 23 November) - Two nights’ accommodation - Full Irish breakfast - Friday eve: Phil Coulter at Mermaid Arts Centre - Saturday eve: A Feast of Folk Tales at Mermaid Arts Centre - Sunday: Cliff Walk Stories 2pm and Afternoon Tea & Tales: Wild Women & Witches 4pm - €40 dining voucher to enjoy in our Tower Bistro Restaurant or The Martello Bar on one evening of your choice - Live entertainment in The Martello Bar most evenings From: €139.00 per person sharing

One-Night Package (Sat 22 – Sun 23 November) - One night accommodation - Full Irish breakfast - Saturday eve: A Feast of Folk Tales at Mermaid Arts Centre - Sunday: Cliff Walk Stories 2pm and Afternoon Tea & Tales: Wild Women & Witches 4pm - €40 dining voucher to enjoy in our Tower Bistro Restaurant or The Martello Bar - Live entertainment in The Martello Bar most evenings From: €79.00 per person sharing To book, please phone The Martello Hotel on 01-2868000 Photo: courtesy of Aoife from Bray Adventures.ie

thank you!

Without the support of individuals, local businesses, schools and community groups, Mermaid Arts Centre would not be able to organize and host such a fun and varied festival. We would particularly like to thank the following:

yarn sponsors Betelnut Café Johnny Daly Irish Folk Tours Bray Credit Union Killruddery House & Bray Local Drug and Alcohol Gardens Task Force Little Bray Family Resource Carlton Clinic Centre Cuidiú- North Wicklow Poetry Ireland – Writers in Alan & Marie Downes Schools Scheme Finnegan Bray The Harbour Bar Frank Duff’s Lounge The Martello Goethe Institut Wicklow County Council Holland’s Lounge Library Service yarn partners Bray Community Addiction Little Bray Youth Heritage Taskforce Orchard Bray Singers' Circle Loreto Secondary School Bray Bray Travellers' Community Presentation College Bray Development Group RNLI Lifeboats Celtic Youth Bray Youth Club The Circle Sessions Little Bray Community The Strand Centre St. Patrick's N.S. Bray Brownies storytellers Catherine Brophy Daria Walsh Gay Byrne Jack Lynch Klawitter Theatre Group Michael Collins Pat Ryan Pat Speight Paul Timoney Phil Coulter Philip Byrne Rod Paton (Lifemusic) Rónán Ó Snodaigh

/ perforMers Rose Lawless (Anne Lillis) Simone Schuemmelfeder Suse Weisse Theo Dorgan The Racker Donnelly Claire Keegan Bernard MacLaverty Mickey Bubbles Julie Cruickshank Áine Stapleton Órla McGovern Niceal Blue Miriam Lambert

yarn festival Map 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Harbour Bar The Martello Hotel The Strand Hotel Cliff Walk (Raheen Car Park) Killruddery House & Gardens Frank Duff’s Lounge Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre

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Holland’s Lounge Epworth Hall Little Flower Hall Common Ground Little Bray Youth Heritage Orchard 13 Little Bray Community Centre

If you wish to get involved in next year’s YARN festival, please contact Aoife Demel at Mermaid Arts Centre at pr@mermaidartscentre.ie

For full details of all YARN events please visit www.mermaidartscentre.ie