Yarn: Bray's Festival of Story and Song 10-18 Nov 2012

mermaid arts centre presents

10 - 18 november 2012

For full details of all YARN events please visit yarnfestival.ie

P hilip B yrne Frank Duff’s Lounge, Main Street, Tue 13 Nov / 8pm & Cliff Walk, Sun 18 Nov / 2pm

Cold and darkness surrounded the little seaside town.

With the rolling black mass of the sea on one side and the looming shadows of the mountains on the other, it seemed as if winter would last forever in Bray.

Yet all was not lost. In the very heart of the town, a tiny, yellow light could be seen. Its warmth and glow beckoned people to it and through them the message started to spread. The storyteller had arrived! As they gathered he began to weave tales and fables from the darkness, and as their excitement and fervour grew so too did the fire. It grew and grew until the whole town was illuminated and its people warmed.

As the story finished, the fire began to dim, but the light remained. When the people returned to their homes they shared the stories with others and realised with wonder that the light and warmth had not come from the storyteller’s fire, but rather from a story shared.

Come warm up your winter at Yarn, Bray’s festival of Story and Song, Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 November in Mermaid and lots of other locations around the town of Bray.

This brochure details the public events but Yarn reaches much further into the community with 14 storytelling sessions and workshops taking place in schools and community groups over the 10 days of the festival.

Full details at yarnfestival.ie or call Mermaid on 01 272 4030

Mermaid Arts Centre Sat 10 Nov 2pm Free

How the Prince found his Cinderella - and other

stories for children of all ages

Grimms Tales - Brendan Nolan It is 200 years since the publication of Children’s and Household Tales by the brothers Grimm in 1812, a very important milestone in fairytale history. Cinderella, The Frog Prince, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin and Snow White are among the most famous of this European cannon folk stories, which despite their antiquity enjoy popularity among young and old even to this day. Brendan Nolan brings his considerable storytelling skills to these favourite fairytales inviting us to rediscover their wit and charm once again.

Kindly supported by Deutsche Botschaft Dublin / German Embassy Dublin

Christ Church, Church Rd Sat 10 Nov 7pm – 8.30pm Free

Evening of Remembrance & Storytelling Join us for a special Evening of Remembrance and storytelling.

This event will include moving stories and letters, Enniskerry Gospel Choir, and Justin Aylmer giving brief renditions of the speeches from Winston Churchill.

For the last number of years Christ Church Bray has been marking the season of Remembrance for those who died in the World Wars of the 20th century. These stories will be developed further through pictures, and memorabilia.

Oli’s Coffeehouse Sat 10 Nov 8.30pm Free

Boris Belony Boris Belony is the writer of short, sharp tales that shock, dismay, alarm and enlighten. With some stories only 5 lines long each story is imbued with a love of the everyday, inner demons, myth, nostalgia, rejection, love and all the other things that matter so much to us. His collection of stories entitled Transmorphosis and Other Short Stories was described by Paul Howard (AKA Ross O’Carroll Kelly) as “Surreal, hilarious and very, very smart.”

A night which promises to be funny, surreal and authentic.

Barracuda & Finnbee’s, Strand Road Sun 11 Nov 11am Free

Joe Brennan – Whispering Waves Listen. Can you hear it? It’s the sound of the sea whispering. A chance encounter with an old fisherman reveals a rich world of stories about the sea. These are no ordinary tales, these are tales sent on the breath of the wind over the undulating waves travelling from distant shores.

Joe brings his trademark dramatic style to yarn-spinning combining his years of enthralling storytelling with his theatrical experience to create this very special show. This event takes place at Finnbee’s & Barracuda Restaurant on Bray seafront overlooking the whispering waves of the Irish Sea. Suitable for ages 7+

Sun 11 Nov 2 – 5pm (Magic show 3pm) Free

Betelnut Café Family Fun Day Yarn would not be complete without a fun day for families in the Betelnut Café at Mermaid Arts Centre. This year Betelnut Café invites you to experience one of Ireland’s top kids magicians, Joe Daly. His show is simply brilliant fun for all age groups from 3 to 12. His magic show is packed full of very cool modern tricks and mini illusions, all presented with Joe’s unique brand of comedy and energy. There will be magic, face-painting, cupcake decorating and of course… stories galore!

‘Joe Daly is absolutely magic “ Pat Kenny RTE

Killruddery House & Gardens (Library) Sun 11 Nov 8pm €4 (Ph: 01-2724030)

In the Dark of Winter - Joe Brennan Be transported with tales of wonder and wisdom; of love, loss and laughter, enveloped within the words of internationally renowned storyteller Joe Brennan. What better venue to relax, unwind and embark on this journey than in the library of Killruddery House.

A unique opportunity to experience a master of storytelling in the perfect setting.

Mermaid Arts Centre Mon 12 Nov 3pm Free

Have Dreams and Speak Them without Fear!

Klawitter Theatre Company

Klawitter aims to enhance the quality of life for older people by providing interactive entertainment and theatre by professional actors and musicians. This show is a project that started in 2010, with shows performed in Ireland and Los Angeles created with older audiences. The next stage involves Klawitter collaborating with Kultur und mehr! from Hamburg. Discover your dreams and begin your journey into forgotten desires; Klawitter invites you to an extraordinary afternoon of inspiring songs and stories from the soul.

Hi Rez Youth Centre (Opp. Parish Office at Holy Redeemer) Mon 12 Nov 8pm Free Kindly supported by Bray Credit Union

Billy Teare & Kathleen O’Sullivan After their wonderfully entertaining story and song sessions at the festival last year, we are delighted to welcome Kathleen and Billy back again. Instantly engaging and mighty fun Billy and Kathleen will have you in stitches… this particular show is aimed at 14 – 20 year olds but all are welcome.

Mermaid Arts Centre Mon 12 Nov 8pm €8.50/7 Director: Walter Salles, 2012 Language: English Duration: 139 min

On The Road (CLUB) Jack Kerouac’s seminal pseudo-autobiography finally heads to the big screen thanks to director Walter Salles and producer Francis Ford Coppola. Beginning in 1947, On the Road is a bohemian odyssey with a handful of hipsters in their early 20s who, against the grain of a conformist period, eagerly embraced drugs, experimental sex, black culture, jazz and life outside the yoke of steady work and conventional family constraints.

Holland’s Lounge Mon 12 Nov 9pm Free

Catching the Sun in a Sieve - Brendan Nolan We are delighted to welcome renowned storyteller Brendan Nolan to perform as part of YARN in the cosy setting of Holland’s Lounge. Author of many books, Brendan’s well-told stories reflect the dilemma of ordinary people living through some extraordinary occurrences. Join him for a treasure trove of captivating tales, including the one about the woman who tried to carry sunshine into her house in a sieve and the story of the four wise brothers who couldn’t count on one another in a fit. The perfect way to spend a Monday evening.

Mermaid Arts Centre Tue 13 Nov 2.30pm €5 Director: John Madden, 2011

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG) A beautifully executed comedic drama, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide to ‘outsource’ their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Madden’s romantic view of India along with the acting pedigree of the ensemble cast make it a sheer joy to watch.

Frank Duff’s Lounge Tue 13 Nov 8pm Free

Philip Byrne & Mia Parsons If you love a good story and crave a good song, then Frank Duff’s Lounge is the place for you this evening. Renowned Bray storyteller Philip Byrne will captivate you will tales of wonder while you enjoy a drink, followed by the sensational jazz voice of Mia Parsons.The perfect combination of story and song.

Mermaid Arts Centre Wed 14 Nov 2.45pm €2 after school stories with

Niall de Búrca Master storyteller, Niall de Búrca mesmerizes and captivates his audience, transporting them to another realm and reminding them why the art of storytelling has remained a living tradition in Ireland for so many generations. De Búrca has featured in the line-up of many festivals and has performed and held workshops in far-flung countries like Poland, Argentina and New Zealand, each journey growing, shaping and colouring his distinctive style. A Yarn festival favourite, and with good reason too.

Mermaid Arts Centre Wed 14 Nov 8pm €16 / €14

Maeve Higgins - We Have A Good Time Now Maeve Higgins presents her brand new, totally brilliant and super-hilarious live show - featuring stand up, new writing and readings from her bestselling book ‘We have a good time...don’t we?’. In this field trip through her head and across her country and beyond (wherever English is spoken and dairy is eaten) Maeve talks about the curse of over-politeness, a chilling encounter with some malevolent dolphins, a stalker who won’t commit and a fight with a packet of biscuits. Back on the road after almost two years, don’t miss the princess of comedy as she barrels through Mermaid, leaving a trail of bewildered laughs behind her.

Mermaid Arts Centre Thu 15 Nov 8pm €12

Keith Farnan Money, Money, Money Since staring on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow Keith Farnan has established himself as one of Ireland’s best stand-up comedians. He has performed all over the world and has appeared regularly on both BBC and RTÉ. Keith Farnan’s comedy achieves that rare balance between intelligence and hilarity. Make sure you catch Keith’s Mermaid debut.

‘Incisive, brilliant comedy…We should be shouting from the rooftops about him’ whatsonstage.com

The Harbour Bar Thu 15 Nov 8pm Free

Eddie Lenihan Back by popular demand, Irish author, storyteller, lecturer and broadcaster Eddie Lenihan takes his seat again at The Harbour Bar. One of the greatest of Irish storytellers and a national treasure, Eddie is a collector and preservationist of folk tales, recording stories told by older people as passed to them through the oral tradition of storytelling. Be prepared for Eddie’s stories to stay with you all winter long. Come early to get a good seat.

Mermaid Arts Centre Fri 16 Nov 11am €2

Songs, Stories & Superstitions Jess Smith & Bray Travellers Community Development Group

Scottish storyteller Jess Smith returns to Mermaid after a brilliant Yarn debut last year. Jess, she herself of Irish Traveller extraction, will collaborate with BTCDG for this session. There will be songs, stories and insights from now and from then, rich in the beauty, heritage and hardships of traveller life and built around the cultural wealth of traveller tradition.

Mamma Mia Café Fri 16 Nov Doors 8pm €10 (inc. bruschetta and a glass of wine) Ph: 01 2865462

Rose Lawless at Mamma Mia Café Rose Lawless is a dazzling Cabaret artist with the ghosts of European ‘Salon’ history breathing down her back. A Chanteuse, Ballad-ress and Raconteur, with a comic flair, she’ll be ‘entertaining the troupes,’ accompanied by Julie Cruickshank, at Mamma Mia, Bray’s celebrated new Italian restaurant, Friday, November 16. Doors open 8.00pm. Show starts 8.30pm. Only €10, which includes a glass of wine and delicious Italian bruschetta.

‘Bawdy and unpredictable! Flying the flag for the true spirit of Cabaret!’

Irish Independent

Mermaid Arts Centre Sat 17 Nov 1.30pm € 5 / Family of 2 adults & 2 kids €18

The Brewery of Eggshells Nuala Hayes & Kate Corkery

we are delighted to bring you this wonderful performance by two of Ireland’s top storytellers. Nuala Hayes and Kate Corkery delight in bringing traditional stories to life for a new generation. Wellloved stories such as Labraidh Loingseach, the King with horses ears, the Tailor and the Harewoman will enchant and inspire wonder. The Brewery of Eggshells brings Irish legends and stories to life for all the family.

National SEA LIFE Centre Sat 17 Nov 3.30pm Free

Lessons and Laughs at the Puppet Show in Sea Life SEA LIFE Bray are proud to present for the first time ever ‘Lessons and Laughs at the Puppet Show in SEA LIFE’.

This is a great opportunity to meet Olly the Octopus and Seamus the Shark who will teach us all about the ocean and all the fascinating creatures that live there. Seamus and Olly will share some of their very favourite tales with audiences in Sea Life’s Education Room. This fun event is suitable for children of all ages.

The Esplanade Hotel Sat 17 Nov 4pm €10 includes Afternoon Tea Ph: 01 286 2056

The Sweetshop on the Shore Kate Corkery & Nuala Hayes

When are we old enough to know better? How strong is a piece of string? Is seven really the age of reason? In a village on the shore of Cork Harbour an only child struggles to make sense of the world.

As regular customers come and go to a small sweet shop that is at the heart of that community, the stories they share linger in her imagination and grow a life of their own. The Sweetshop on the Shore received a rapturous reception at its premier in July and has since been nominated as Best Storytelling Performance of the Year.

Mermaid Arts Centre Sat 17 Nov 8pm €16/14

Rhyme, Rant & Rann Tall tales, splendid songs and wickedly wise words. Three of Ireland’s finest performers conspire to delight you with an entertaining evening of great songs and heart-warming stories. Renowned storyteller Jack Lynch weaves his hilarious tales with sensitivity and expertise. Traditional singer Len Graham’s musical stories mingle sad farewells with joyous homecomings. Theo Dorgan’s love of the sea, and his epic ocean adventures, are fine inspiration indeed for memorable maritime musings in poetry and prose. Together this trio of master craftsmen create a gentle little gem of a show which is fresh, unfussy, and great craic altogether!

The Strand Hotel Sat 17 Nov 9pm Free

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-nos tradition. So experience for yourself an evening of laid-back, organic storytelling through song. Pull up a chair close to the fire in The Strand Hotel and enjoy this wonderful evening of song. Acoustic self-accompaniment welcome.

The Martello (Function Room) Sun 18 Nov 11.30am Free

Shaking the Story Tree – Jack Lynch Join Jack Lynch as he shakes the story tree to see what peculiar fruits fall. Combining folklore and Irish myths, wonderous tales, tall tales and small tales, Jack weaves his magic.

A regular at the National Museum in Dublin and a favourite teller at arts and storytelling festivals around the world this Sunday morning session at the Martello promises to be a real treat for families.

Cliff Walk (Meet at Raheen Car Park) Sun 18 Nov 2pm Free

Talk the Walk – Cliff Walk Stories with Philip Byrne Join Mr.William Dargan the man who brought the railway to Bray (aka storyteller Philip Byrne) for a very gentle stroll along the beautiful Cliff Walk at the side of Bray Head, overlooking the sea (don't worry it's not the full cliff walk!).

Hear stories of smugglers, railwaymen, folklore and much, much more. This is an outdoor event and will take place come hail, rain or shine (hopefully shine!).

The walk and stories will begin at Raheen Car Park, just off Newcourt Road.

Kindly supported by An Evening of Food, Folklore & Fairies at the Brazen Head

Mermaid Arts Centre Sun 18 Nov 8pm €16/14

Kimmie Rhodes Join Texan favourite Kimmie Rhodes, with multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Rhodes, for a retrospective night of song and story. Varying from movie soundtracks to musical theatre to twelve solo albums, Kimmie will be journeying through her repertoire, all the way from beloved classics to freshly-penned tunes. With her soft, smooth Texan drawl and powerful musical talent, Kimmie is a favourite amongst county music legends, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.

‘Kimmie has the voice of a beautiful child coming from an old soul… do yourself a favour and bring her into your listening life’ Emmylou Harris

Thank you!

Once again this year, the town and people of Bray pulled together to make YARN happen. Without the support of 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 partners Betelnut Café Carlton Clinic Kinvara House Poetry Ireland – Nursing Home Writers in Schools Scheme Frank Duff’s Lounge Bray Local Drugs Taskforce Holland’s Lounge Bray Credit Union The Harbour Bar Bray Lakers The Martello St. John of Gods Barracuda & Finnbee’s BCAT Coffee House Little Bray Family The Strand Resource Centre The Esplanade Bray Traveller Community Development Group St. Philomena’s N.S. Bray Singer’s Circle Bray School Project Wicklow County Council Gaelscoil Ui Cheadaigh Library Services Loreto Secondary School Deutsche Botschaft Dublin / Presentation College German Embassy Dublin St. Fergal’s N.S. www.irishfolktours.com Hi Rez Youth Centre Christ Church Bray Mamma Mia Café Killruddery House And a special thank you to & Gardens Fionnuala Ryan Oli’s Coffeehouse

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

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Yarn Festival Map 1 Harbour Bar 2 The Holy Redeemer Church 3 Oli’s Coffeehouse 4 Finnbee’s, Bray Beach 5 Mamma Mia Café 6 Holland’s Lounge 7 Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre 8 Betelnut Cafe 9 Frank Duff’s Lounge

10 National Sea Life Centre 11 Christ Church 12 The Martello Hotel 13 Esplanade Hotel 14 Strand Hotel 15 Cliff Walk (Raheen car park) 16 Killruddery House & Gardens

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A story is alive!

It must never die.

Long after the teller has passed on, his tale will still be

shining bright.

We tell them now and

live them again

until we emerge on the other side of the story with our 

eyes opened wide.

A good story well told

leaves warm memories.

From birth to burial

What is history if not a moment on the tongue.

Thanks to Jess Smith & Brendan Nolan for these words of wisdom

mermaidartscentre.ie

we live a tale.