Two of the UK’s most compelling, Nick Hennessey and Simon Heywood (pictured), will be weaving mythical tales of gods and heroes at the Peel Centenary Centre on Saturday 10th October.
Billed as 'The Middle Yard', the evening will showcase an inspiring new piece of storytelling and music based on an ancient story about one of Ireland’s greatest heroes, Lugh Lamfhota.
The story, which was first written down in the 11th Century and passed down orally through the generations, has been re-imagined by Nick and Simon and set to folk-style harp and guitar music.
The tale has particular relevance for the Isle of Man, as Nick Hennessey, one of the storyteller/creators explains:
“In mythology, the name Man originated from Manannan, the sea god, and Manannan is the foster father to Lugh, our central character.
"His impact is felt throughout the story and he could even be said to be the motivating force behind all of the action.
"It’s incredibly exciting to be able to tell the story on the Isle of Man, to really connect with the landscape of the story as it brings all those resonances to life for us and for the audience too.”
The story follows Lugh as he returns to Ireland with the heavy weight of prophecy on his shoulders.
He is said to be the only man who can save his people from a tyrant king, although as the story evolves he gets perilously close to becoming a tyrant himself.
Three brothers are also at the heart of the action, sent on a magical sea quest to the four corners of this world and the edges of the next, to atone for a murder and satisfy Lugh’s demands.
Although the story originated in the past, there are always aspects which can appeal to a modern audience, as Simon Heywood explains:
“Even if stories are set in mythical landscapes, the characters behave in ways which are familiar to us, so there’s always someone we identify with.
"Our style evokes the way storytellers might have told it in the past, but we also react to each audience, which is why it’s really exciting to be telling it on the Isle of Man, where the place itself is so central to the story.”
Simon Heywood will also be leading a songwriting workshop on Sunday 11th October, from 10am to 12.30pm, which is open to anyone who is interested in developing their songwriting talent.
Tickets for The Middle Yard on 10th October are priced at ?8.00 and can be purchased from Celtic Gold in Peel, Shakti Man in Ramsey, Peter Norris Music in Douglas and World Choice in Port Erin. Concessions are available.
The songwriting workshop with Simon Heywood on Sunday 11th October is ?5 per person.
To book a place please, contact the Arts Council on Tel: 694598 or Email: iomartscouncil@dtl.gov.im. Further details can be found at http://www.iomarts.com/ and http://www.centenarycentre.com/.
