OtherWise

Clare Muireann Murphy is just one of a new generation of storytellers to
have grown with the festival. Others have consistently participating in story
swaps, festival workshops and the annual Master Class held every October on
Cape Clear. Two years ago for the first time the festival committee formally
recognised the contribution that these tellers are making to increase the profile of
storytelling within their own countries. A new event was added to the program;
an early evening concert devoted to “Emerging Storytellers” which featured five
storytellers from Ireland, Belgium, France and Germany. One of these was Simone
Schümmelfeder who has since been invited back as a featured Storyteller as part
of the 2014 festival. Simone like Clare was also a volunteer for the festival in the
past.
The festival is now in its 21st Year and owes its continuing success to providing a
high quality event against the backdrop of Cape Clear Islands stunning scenery to
attract both regular visitors and first time audience members. The Festival attracts
visitors from the mainland, the UK, USA and mainland Europe year on year.
Each festival offers something for individuals, couples and families. Combining
both free and paying events such as a free Heritage Walk, Set dancing workshop,
open air Story Swap, Children’s workshop and a free Storytelling concert with
popular regular paying events such as Storytelling concerts and Storytelling
workshops, attracts consistent audiences each year.
The landscape of Cape Clear has a magic that words can’t do justice to, it can only
be experienced. Stories for me stimulate a core need to relate, laugh and share.
They reach the innocence of the human condition by transporting us to a realm
where everything becomes possible. Bringing together these two ingredients of
place and story has created a unique experience which goes on giving. There is
a story in Irish mythology called Tir na nÓg - the land where no one grows old.
14 years ago I felt I visited Tir na nÓg, and for 3 days every year around the first
weekend in September, I am transported back.
Gerry Clancy
www.capeclearstorytelling.com
Facebook @ Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival
Gerry Clancy has been the Co-director of the Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival since 2011 and is part of the international Storytelling
ensemble Story-O known for their regular varied and vibrant themed storytelling performances.
He is also a founder member of the What's the Story? Storytelling Cork event in Cork. / Facebook @ What's the Story? Storytelling
Other Wise
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