The Civic Bard Quest is a series of workshops inviting you to immerse yourself in the world of Irish myth.
1st Dec 10.30am – 5.0pm:
In our most dynamic Civic Bard workshop to date we will work in small groups to apply red rhetoric (the emotion based style) to persuade others that we are the rightful king or queen to send to Tara to shape a future we would all want to live in.
We also see how myth and symbol have been used and abused. What we call ‘red rhetoric’ tap in to deep emotions and fears and can be drawn on to create ‘imagined others’ who threaten. This form of rhetoric is particularly effective in gaining power! It can also be used to bring out the best. We are exploring how this powerful style of persuasion can be used to inspire and to unite
and to lift everyone.
In 2018, you are invited to the Civic to commence a year round journey of renewal to rediscover the lost way of the Bard.
In ages past Bards helped define who we were and who we could and should be. They recognised the power of myths to shape our lives and to bring us back into harmony with the wisdom of a natural order. For those jaded by our perplexing times, this interactive process will offer rejuvenation and a world full of fresh insight, promising a liberating perspective and an opportunity to reclaim a unique heritage. Using the ancient four mythic cycles as our guide – Mythological, Ulster, Fenian and King – and utilising a range of approaches – including group discussion, role play and game based learning – this dynamic process will immerse you in the world of Irish myth, guiding you to develop an empowering competence that will move participants from passive listener to active story maker.
CLICK HERE to listen to The Civic’s Artistic Director Michael Barker-Caven as he sits down with Sandy and Ellen to discuss Irish mythology and the Civic Bard Quest.
First Quarter: Imbolc – Mythological Cycle
2nd Feb 7.00pm – 9.00pm : Introduction: Where do we come from? Irish Creation Myths (the Book of Invasions)
3rd Feb 10.30am – 5.30pm: Cesair, Fintan and The Three Wisdoms of Ireland
3rd Mar 10.30am – 5.30pm: Analysing Modern Media and Culture
Second Quarter: Beltaine – Ulster Cycle
11th May 7.00pm – 9.00pm: Defence of the Realm, Cuchulain, Ferdia, Emer
12th May 10.30am – 5.30pm: The Tain and Re-Imagining the Warrior
9th Jun 10.30am – 5.30pm: Brehon Law Court: Experiencing Medieval Irish Law
Third Quarter: Lughnasa – Fenian Cycle
13th July 7.00pm – 9.00pm: The Wisdom of the Outlaw – Hero Outside the Tribe
14th July 10.30am – 5.30pm: Exploring Fionn McCumhail with the Fianna and Their Heroic Code
28th July 10.30am – 5.30pm: Building Community, building tribe. The skills to get the network that is a community to work
Fourth Quarter: Samhain – King Cycle
3rd Nov 10.30am – 5.30pm: Re-imagining leadership in a distributed power word
1st Dec 10.30am – 5.30pm: Re-imagining politics: Experiencing new forms of collective decision making
Apply for 50% discount
Special bursary awards for artists, writers, actors, and other non-full time employed community activists who are interested in this project.
See HERE for further details
Limited spaces available so booking in advance is advised.
Old Stories, New Thinking: A Call to Awaken
A Collaboration between The Civic & Bard Mythologies
Led by Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop & Sandy Dunlop from the Bard
CLICK HERE to download Civic Bard Quest Brochure
