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by: CSS Web Design |
 Paraig at Langlees Library |
Storytelling: Themes
General Scottish/Celtic Folklore
A mixed bag of different aspects of Celtic/Scottish folk- lore from a
mixture
of a variety of the themes below.
Most of the topics below can tie in with the 5 - 14 curriculum under expressive arts, memory or language and can help inspire ideas for story writing. Apart from working with the very young to the very old, Paraig has also worked with people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and special needs.
All may be performed through the medium of English, Gaelic, Scots or a combination giving a flavor of these ancient tongues. All material is traditional but may include some of Paraig's own verses to illustrate the continuance of the living tradition, if appropriate.
BrainheartA Salutation in Rhyme Metrically Mirroring and Lauding Scotland's Heroes and Heroines of Innovation and Discovery in a Celebration of Their Contributions to the Good of the Human Race
Reviews of Braveheart:
"Thank you for coming and telling us stories and riddles and the song/poem of the Scottish inventors you made up..." Amy, P7, St. Paul's Primary School, PaisleyThe Stirling Launching/Performance of Brainheart (Smith's Gallery) June 2007
"I just want to say how much I enjoyed the evening. It was tremendous. It was an absolute Tour De Force, Leslie (Smith prof. of computer studies Stirling University) said the same thing, everybody said the same thing. It really was good from top to bottom. You know, the recitations, the politics, the history, the personalities, jokes. Excellent So good luck. So "Slainte !."
Steve McGrail (ex lecturer of sociology, Stirling university) now free-lance writer.
Tales for Wee Ones
Interactive stories and simple songs/rhymes with trumb (Jew's Harp) of animal moral tales, elves, tailors, Jack tales. 4-7 year old
"Every morning Fringe event should be as enchanting as this.......woven by the human voice can only restore faith...if they are skillful as Paraig and Alison Millen who performed early this week, there will be plenty spell-binding accounts of little people, giants......".
Roberta Mock, 'The Scotsman' reviewing the Edinburgh Fringe '92' children's morning - Netherbow Theatre.
Tales of the Fianna (Fionn MacCumhail or Fingal)
Tales illuminating the coming of the original elite legendary warlord order of the first Scots coming from Ireland, with many place names, genealogies, clan origins, proverbs, lays and other verse.
"Paraig MacNeil ......Whistle and clarsach by Norman Chalmers.....these Bards take us on a tour of Scotland's past. Where legend and myth can join with humor and gentle wit to create a special magic".
(Joy Henry -The Scotsman -review for Edinburgh International Festival 1993)
The Wars of Independence
William Wallace and Bruce, other heroes, legends of the Stone of Destiny, Thomas the Rhymer, based on 'Blind Harry' with Scots song. Forget the 'forensic fixations'. Enjoy!
"The most skilled comtemporary interpreter of Blind Harry's work (The Wallace) is Paraig Macneil of Dunblane and the method by which he performs is akin to the storytellers in the cafes of Alexandra, Egypt, who still recount the great battles and military feats of ancient times, beating the tables with sticks at appropriate intervals, and punctuating the narrative with song"
Dr. Elspeth King - Page XX - introduction of Blind Harry's "The Wallace" - 1998
The Clan Dynasties
With genealogies, tracing back to the common Irish and in a few cases, Norwegian ancestor, cairns, place names, incitements, battles, elegies, proverb, premonition, castles, dream symbols, of sea and land. Can cover most of the clans.
"I was fortunate to listen to part of your performance at Doune Castle"
(Nick Finnegan -Historic Scotland Events Manager -June 94)
Tartan Truths
Traditional, Stories, songs/poems of the Bards illustrating the importance of the Breacan or tartan as the dress of the warrior Gael and latterly symbolic of the Jacobites dispelling all the fabricated history, borne of commercial and military expediency with demonstrations of how the old plaid or feile-mor is worn and its versatility, if required.
" He wore costumes which looked the part and which were explained in detail to the children. His delivery was excellent and the children enthralled"
The Times educational Supplement "Star Turns" - June 1997 (Madderty Primary, Perthshire)
The Jacobites
The 17th/18th century blue-print for what was to become the 'Human Rights Movement'. Folk-lore of the '15' and '45' - Their philosophy and sayings of Thomas the Rhymer concerning them in story and songs with refrains for all to join in with.
"...it was really entertaining. I Iiked both stories and songs and we think you are the best...."
Jason Forbes, Pupil, Parson's Green Primary School, Edinburgh - Jacobite Project
Pipers and Pipe songs
Headless trunks, castles salutations, fairies, battles, rieving, drovers, smugglers, the cry on the mountain, the piper's warning, caves, cairns, emigrations, bird song, and keenings.
"Paraig MacNeil is the amiable host, with a fine Gaelic voice. The indomitable Willie McPhee plays the small pipes.......There is refreshing air of unforced authenticity about this show.....
Paul H. Scott - The Scotsman 'The Spirit of Scotland Programme, Fringe '93' - Malt Whisky Vaults.
The Highland Clearances/Emigrations/Pioneers of the New World
The ethnic cleansing of the Gaidhealtachd and wit of the Gael to survive no matter what with song and sayings of the Lady of Lawers concerning these terrible events.
Seals, Sea- Folk, kelpie and Fairies
The allegorical expression of the Celt against prejudice with seal, fairy and kelpie song.
Environment
Tales of Birds, foxes, rabbits, trees, snow, the moon, the colours and sense of nature with bird vocables and weather charms.
For more information see The Ashden Directory
Wit and Wise Fools
Moral legacy against judgementalism.
"Paraig MacNeil and Alison Millen...Their rapport with their audience was total. "..''
(Mario Relick- The Scotsman, review for "Fringe" 1994- Netherbow. 'Heads you loose, Tales I win'
Workshops for Beginners and Advanced
Tales with simple keys of memory recall/sign-posts from 10 years old to adult age and advanced stories with resourcing for older ones and adults.
"Three poorish pupils on paper remembered the whole story and had a sense of achievement. Older pupils P6/7 especially enjoyed it"
St. Katherine's School, Fife, National Trust for Scotland 'King to Collier' project 2001.
Food, drink and Hospitality
Ancient Scottish hospitality with food and drink like that of the old French. Ideal for your hotel. Perfect for a wine or whisky evening with drinking songs and 'Whisky Lore'.
" After a roaring welcome on the pipes from Hamish Moore. Bard-Like Paraig MacNeill led us into an evening of Oral mastery with Gaelic fantasy".
(Alan Paul of the Scotsman reviewing the Scottish Malt Whisky Showcase 1994" )
Seasonal Tales for all, short and tall and Your
Special Occasion
For Winter, Summer Autumn and Spring, Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings etc.
Tales, verse (original for the occasion if need be) and programmes tailored according to your need. These can work with cross-media as well as cross-cultural collaboration.
Poetry and Writers Evenings
Traditional and original poetry/stories. Ideal for your writers or history group.To request further information, or to book Paraig for any of the above, please use the Booking Form: