Earlier this year, in response to the Covid-19 lockdown, The Civic Theatre embarked on an artistic adventure to reach out and make connections, to make work, at a time when that seemed impossible. Eighteen brave denizens of South County Dublin took part in ‘Songs of Change’. In the course of the project each participant kept a journal, with lists and thoughts and texts that are currently undergoing a process of alchemy to turn them into ten original songs. Watch The Civic Theatre’s online space early next year for news
of their debut. The form of choice for ‘Songs of Change’ was the haiku. Three lines, short/long/short, to capture a moment, a thought, a feeling. After exploration and conversation, distillation. The initial workshop programme for Songs came to an end in late August and to keep the creative juices flowing The Civic laid down an artistic gauntlet.
A Year In Haikus
The challenge. Purchase a journal of choice. This will be your haiku journal. Every week, starting September 1 st 2020, capture a lived moment in haiku form. Illustrating a life over one year. The usual three-line form or the traditional five-line, tanka, form.
Haiku
Short line – 5 beats/syllables
Long line – 7 beats/syllables
Short line – 5 beats/syllables
Tanka
Short line – 5 beats/syllables
Long line – 7 beats/syllables
Pivot line/short – 5 beats/syllables
Long line – 7 beats/syllables
Long line – 7 beats/syllables
Thirteen brave souls rose to the challenge.
Breda Halligan
Elaine Peden
Geraldine McGarry
Kate Connaughton
Laura Fox
Michelle Stafford
Monika Hyland
Orla Gildea
Pat Goucher
Ruth McKenna
Sheila McAdam
Una Ruddock
Verina Borissova
One haiku from each participant will be shared on The Civic’s website each month. Watch out for the September Haikus … coming Soon…..
