Cork storyteller calls on different generations to attend workshop in the woods

IF you go down to the woods on Monday, May 6 - you’re sure of a big surprise.

Seanchaí and artist Noelle Ní Riagáin. from Kinsale, is heading to Glenbower Woods on the Bank Holiday May weekend as part of the Bealtaine spring celebrations.

‘When I Was Your Age’ is the theme of her workshop, which brings older people and grandparents together with children aged 9-11.

“I am hosting an interactive session where both age groups learn from each other about the past, the present and the future,” says Noelle, who is married to Cormac Mohally, one half of comedy dance double act, Lords of Strut.

Noelle, who studied street theatre and is a mixed discipline artist, is a good storyteller.

“A lot of people taught me skills,” she says.

What makes a good storyteller?

Being curious and interested in people’s lives and having conversations, talking and listening.

Noelle is a people person.

“I am interested in people’s lives and in people themselves. Sharing stories is a wonderful thing. “

Noelle is an earthy woman who is comfortable and at one with the great outdoors.

“I like street theatre because you can perform for people outside where they hang out who may not have access to a theatre,” she says.

Glenbower Woods in Killeagh is a magical place where traditionally villagers enjoyed a variety of festivities in the scenic beauty spot on the first Sunday of May.

Will Noelle weave her storytelling magic there when she brings old and young together?

“I hope so,” she says. 

The wonderful scope of the forest will facilitate the sharing of stories and past traditions.

We can learn a lot of things hearing stories present and past.

“I want people to learn from traditions and habits that older people have, that we may lose in the next generation because we are moving away from storytelling towards more digital means,” says Noelle.

Viral time has replaced real time.

“It is vital to have a connection in real time so people can really engage in topics,” says Noelle.

She gets a kick out of how young people can bring out stories from older people, using the line ‘When I was your age...’

I tell Noelle that my dad used to tell us at ‘our age’ he went to school with no shoes on through an orchard, where he robbed the apples on the way home!

“Those kind of stories need to be told to the younger generation,” Noelle says. “It would be such a shame if they died out.”

She is hoping lots of stories will be told by both old and young people at the event in the woods.

I want people to put the phones away and learn how both ages get to school, what they do at school; how is it different, is it better, is it not?

Noelle wants people to use their imaginations.

“I want the younger people to imagine what life would be like when they are the age of their grandparents for instance,” she says. “I want them to imagine what life will be like then.”

We can all imagine back in the day, when the owner of the Glenbower Woods estate, De Cappell Brooke, invited the entirety of the community to celebrate the first Sunday in May.

This became a yearly event known as May Sunday. It was the only day the woods was open to the public.

In the 1920s, the festival became very popular, spilling out of the wood and onto the main street. It was a colourful event which featured music, dancing, and the crowning of the ‘May Queen’.

“Maypole dancing always took place in the wood, which was amazing,” says Jessica Bonenfant, of Greywood Arts Creative Hub and Artist’s Residency, who is the co-ordinator of the May Sunday Festival.

“These days, the festival is recognised as a celebration of history, creativity and ecology,” adds Jessica, who has a fascinating story of her own.

A former dance choreographer and New Yorker, Jessica and her husband, Hughie Coogan, took a giant leap of faith to pursue their dream to open an artist residency and workshop at Greywood in Killeagh, a former RIC barracks dating back to 1767.

“When we saw Greywood, it was love at first sight,” says Jessica. “It was the perfect place to welcome our neighbours, the community and everybody interested in connecting, conversing and swapping ideas.”

Jessica and Hughie welcomed Noelle to Greywood.

“I did a residency there and it was wonderful,” says Noelle, who is interested in history, creativity and ecology.

“Jessica and I met years ago in Kilkenny, and we stayed in touch. I was thrilled when she invited me to Killeagh as part of the Bealtine Festival/ May Sunday Festival this year, to host a storytelling workshop in the wood.”

The pupils of the local primary school, and members of the ‘Monday Club’ are delighted with the idea of talking about ‘when I was your age’.

“Pupils at the Primary school, St. Fergal’s, loved the idea,” adds Jessica. 

We visited the school and told them all about Noelle’s workshop in a nice way.

“It is an opportunity to create a special social event and to let young people inspire older people and vice-versa.”

Members of the Monday Club were sold on the idea.

“The older people in the village were very interested and amused at the idea of talking about ‘when I was your age’,” says Jessica.

“We all think it is a charming way to interact with different generations. School kids imagining life in 60 years’ time in a different world will be fascinating. How will pupils attend school then? Will they fly?”

They possibly may go to school by other modes of transport?

“Will they go by spaceship?” says Jessica, laughing.

“The whole concept of talking about ‘when I was your age’ invites using imagination and honing storytelling skills.”

Greywood Arts have an amazing line-up of gorgeous festivities for all ages, and all free.

“Storytelling is part of our history and is a big part our heritage” says Noelle.

See the programme at http//greywoodarts.org/may-sunday