Harpers in the Hall: Irish Myths from beneath the Hollow Hills
with Gail Anglin, Daniel Kletke, & Nicole Lavigne
traditional harp music by Acacia Lyra
at the NAC’s 4th STAGE (53 Elgin Street)
on Thursday, March21, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7:00
Tickets: $20 available at NAC box office or ticketmaster.ca (614-991-2787)
Description:
Be transported to the ancient hills of Ireland, where the ancient gods and heroes rule and harpers sing the tales. Fionn mac Cumhaill/Finn McCool was a mythical hunter-warrior of Ireland. The stories of Fionn and his followers, the Fianna, form the Fenian Cycle. The stories may be based on Gaelic legends or may be the work of Scottish writer James Macpherson, who introduced the tales in 1761, claiming to have translated them from an ancient text. Whether authentically ancient or not, the stories had great influence during the Romantic period between 1800 and 1850 and are now firmly part of Irish lore. Tonight’s tales are based on the version written by Irish Republican James Stephens in his book
, published in 1920. Stephens was remarkable for the rare gift of combining humor and lyricism in his writing and for the fact that he stood 4’ 10” in his stocking feet.
For more information, contact:
Caitlyn Paxson, Managing Artistic Director (mad@ottawastorytellers.ca, 613-322-8336, www.ottawastorytellers.ca)
Performers:
The laughter, drama, and history in storyteller
skillfully told tales carry audiences into worlds as far flung as Homer’s ancient Greece and the fairy mounds of Ireland. A versatile performer and creator of original works, Gail is particularly adept at bringing characters to life and is a master at comic timing. One of Ottawa’s rare singing storytellers, she has co-created and appeared in several popular musical storytelling shows at the National Arts Centre’s 4th Stage. Her story about Ottawa founder, Colonel John By, represented Ontario in the National Capital Commission’s
a collection celebrating storytelling’s role in preserving our culture and history. Gail directs the Ottawa StoryTellers’ events at The Billings Estate National Historical Site; this collaboration now includes spring and fall shows and a campfire series for families each August. She is equally at home with audiences of adults and children and greatly enjoys having youngsters actively participate in the stories she tells.
Captivated by the spoken word at a young age,
has brought stories to audiences at festivals, schools, museums, and campfires from Toronto to Halifax. He is most often heard telling stories from classical mythology or local history and makes the old epics both vibrant and moving. Daniel was one of 19 performers at last June’s 12-hour performance of Homer’s Odyssey at the NAC’s 4
Stage. He also enjoys performing at Ottawa StoryTellers’ annual murder mystery at Billings Estate National Historic Site, particularly when playing the role of the famous detective, Philip Marlowe. Daniel has an English degree from the University of Ottawa and also has training as a visual artist. He lives and works in his home town of Ottawa.
love for storytelling and performance began as a young child and continued through her studies in English Literature and Theatre at the University of Ottawa. She finally began telling regularly after taking the Ottawa Storyteller’s beginners workshop in 2011. She has performed for adults and children alike in community centres, the Story Slam, at The Tea Part, Billings Estate and the Bytown Museum. She tells mostly folk and fairy tales, but has dabbled in historical stories and writing original tales as well. She is thrilled to be making her NAC debut alongside such established tellers.
Traditional harp music is only one element of the eclectic harp music repertoire by Ottawa harp duo Acacia Lyra. This Ottawa-based duo with
and
has been making music together since 2006, and their collaboration has resulted in three harp music CDs and a growing list of concert and festival appearances showcasing contemporary and traditional Celtic music, folk music, and their original compositions. Website: www.acacialyra.com
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