The first 2017 performance event for the Isle of Architecture is one of its ‘gigs in surprising spaces’: poetry from the Manx Bard in a venue which is not only an iconic building, but also has great significance for students of Manx Culture - the Sailors’ Shelter in Peel.
On Friday 27 January, Manx Bard John ‘Dog’ Callister will share his ‘Poems and Yarns’ almost exactly 112 years after celebrated Manx wordsmiths Hall Caine and TE Brown entertained an audience of around 70 people who, according to newspaper reports of the time, were greatly amused by songs, speeches and stories in Manx and English.
John ‘Dog’ Callister was appointed the third Manx Bard in September 2016 and this event will see him sharing his own work, much of which is written in what he refers to as ‘Manks’, and also collaborating with the audience on a new work inspired by the Island’s buildings.
“What a privilege to be performing my work in a space where the first Manx Bard, TE Brown, performed his!” says John ‘Dog’. “There are obvious analogies between poetry and architecture - poetry, like a building, needs a solid foundation and careful construction and the end product should be pleasing on the eye - and I would like to think that my work is building on TE Brown and Hall Caine’s legacy. There have been many poets and writers over the centuries writing in verse and prose about Mann and as Manx Bard I am proud to continue this tradition, to be able to add to the wonderful works and hopefully to leave some thoughts on paper for future generations of readers and writers.”
John Dog’s entry to become the third Manx Bard last year stressed how important the Island’s environment is to him and to his poetry, and three months on he is even more convinced:
“As a Manksman living, working and bringing up a family on Mann with its magical countryside and architecture, it is impossible not to be influenced by our surroundings, the cultural legacy and history. I feel blessed that I am able to put my feelings about this fantastic Island into verse and am looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm with architecture enthusiasts, poetry lovers and fellow poets at the Sailors’ Shelter.”
Dr Catriona Mackie from Isle of Architecture, is particularly pleased that John ‘Dog’ is able to perform in such a significant venue:
“When John ‘Dog’ agreed to take part in Isle of Architecture we knew that the Sailors’ Shelter’s literary link would make it an ideal venue,” she says. “Our aim is to raise awareness of the built environment and we are excited to be hosting a number of performances in some of the more surprising or unusual spaces across the Island. Architecture isn’t just for architects, it’s for all of us and I hope that Isle of Architecture and these events in particular will help encourage people to look differently at the buildings around them.”
Since 1876, when the people of the town paid for its construction as a refuge for sailors from stormy weather, the Sailors’ Shelter has been part of Peel’s architectural landscape. Of course, times have changed, but fortunately, it remains a hub of the community, playing host to events such as Poems and Yarns several times a week.
Tickets for ‘Poems and Yarns with the Manx Bard’ cost just ?5 (including a donation to the Sailors’ Shelter) and can be booked at the Isle of Architecture’s Eventbrite link www.eventbrite.com/e/poems-and-yarns-with-the-manx-bard-tickets-30693399785?aff=es2
More information on Isle of Architecture, upcoming ‘gigs in special spaces’ and the ongoing #ilovethisbuilding initiative can be found at www.facebook.com/isleofarchitecture and on twitter @isleofarch.
Isle of Architecture is a joint venture between Culture Vannin, the Trustees of Manx National Heritage and the Society of Architects.
Photo: John ‘Dog’ Callister at his appointment as Manx Bard, September 2016. Courtesy of Steve Babbs Photography.
