Reconnect with landscape, myth, ritual, story and play
A day-long experiential workshop with two experienced and inspiring facilitators in beautiful, rural surroundings.
“Jane and Michael facilitated a profound experience for me throughout, not only consummate professionals but ‘real’ and compassionate. They really carry the magic and leave you hungry for more.”
You can hear Jane and Michael talking about story, landscape and living myth in the podcast below…
We, as a species, have wreaked devastation on the natural environment that sustains us.
Powers much greater than us have given themselves authority to willfully pursue profit at the expense of a viable planet for human habitation.
Many people have little or no contact with the natural environment. Uncurated green spaces are few and far between.
We are surrounded by rush, buzz and imbalance.
What on earth can we do to make a difference and where do we even start?
We begin by re-connecting with nature, revisiting wonder and delight, community and company, the stories we and our ancestors tell and the Earth that nourishes us.
We are excited to share this immersive and practical day for people who have a sense of commitment to the Earth and want to deepen, focus and consolidate what they have to offer to the world. Michael and Jane have international reputations for performance and creating a safe and fun-filled atmosphere. We are committed to deep listening and group work which enables personal experimentation, risk taking and authenticity in these unsettling times. During our time together we will share a rich, nourishing and playful experience that will enhance and charge our lives with more spontaneity, deepen our connection to each other, with nature and to story.
Booking information and contact details are at the bottom of the page.
Jane Flood has been telling traditional stories since 1994 . Her work has taken her to East Africa with UNICEF, Nepal, and Tibet with the Himalayan Broadcasting Company and Peru and Ecuador with The British Council. In the past ten years her focus has moved nearer to home in response to a growing awareness of Climate Change and Environmental Issues . She has been Storyteller in Residence for The Mendip Hills, The Blackdown Hills, The North Somerset Coast and most recently the Avalon Marshes.
Currently she is working on an ongoing project in Zanzibar which involves collecting traditional stories from village elders with the task of crafting these stories to be made into a book to be used in Swahili speaking schools. Stories are her passion and she strongly believes that, as well as offering entertainment, they are tools for discovery of the self and a way to grapple with the complicated conundrum of what it means to be human.
Michael Harvey is at the forefront of the storytelling revival. He tours and teaches internationally, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others, notably the storytelling production company, Adverse Camber.
He tells stories from all over the world with a particular focus on Welsh and Mabinogi-inspired material. Michael works extensively in education and heritage and was awarded the prestigious Major Creative Wales Award by Arts Council Wales in 2011 which he used to participate in the third Labo group at La Maison du Conte, near Paris. He has co-led the Bleddfa Week of Storytelling for over twenty years.
He has recently received funding from Arts Council Wales to develop a bilingual performance of the Welsh Lady of the Lake legend with a musician and dancer which will start rehearsals as soon as circumstances allow, and tour from next year. Since lockdown Michael has developed a series of online training opportunities for storytellers including courses, coaching and mentoring.
Michael and Jane have toured as storytellers and workshop leaders nationally and internationally. They have delved deeply into ancient myths and work on creative community projects with all ages.
“Excellent seamless flow, alternating between fun and serious tutoring…genuine, gentle, energetic, continuous encouragement given every step of the way”
“I would highly recommend this course. It was magical and life changing. I came away with a spring in my step.”
“Beyond useful - it was restorative, connecting (with others, with self and with the land) and creatively engaging. I loved the way the stories were a catalyst for our individual imaginations. And as well as being given space to explore my own creative response, it was inspiring to hear such rich and varied responses from others in the group. The day was very well designed so that we were building on our experiences and trust between us grew. Because of this the final collaborative exercise connected us with each other and the land in a deep and meaningful way.”
“The wonderful thing about this workshop is the way that it explicitly engages the affinity between storytelling and ritual... and the way that story, voice, and embodied presence can deepen your experience of connection simultaneously with other people and with the physical environment.”
Getting to Chesterblade Hills…
Housekeeping
Food - Please bring lunch to share. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Timing - 10am - 4:30pm
Contact Details for Chesterblade Hills - tel: 07927 641512 email: info@chills.org.uk website
Course Content Enquiries - 07812 166138 or michael@michael-harvey.com
