History of Performances/Projects

STORYTELLING IN SCHOOLS
December 2006 – February 2009

Funded by the National University of Ireland Galway ACCESS OFFICEhttp://www.nuigalway.ie/access this six-week project worked with marginalized children as part of the Uni for You programme.  Three schools have participated with the children of sixth class (11-12yr olds) taking part.  Clare and Rab created these unique workshops to help the children build up their confidence in self expression, develop the skill of positive criticism, and learn all about unleashing their imaginations through the magic of creating and telling stories. The workshops climax with a performance of the children’s stories at the Múscailt Festival.

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CELTIC TALES
Launched by Mayor Niall O Brolochain, April 2007

The aim of Celtic tales was to create a warm and enchanting atmosphere to tell the old legends, myths and folktales of Ireland and Scotland. With the cosy setting of the Cottage Bar, Lower Salthill Rd as our backdrop we found there to be a wonderfully enthusiastic response to this show. Week after week the Cottage was filled with tourists and locals alike to listen to these tales and enjoy the good food, drink and atmosphere of the bar.

Every week Celtic Tales became a mesmerizing journey through ancient Ireland and Scotland with a plethora of characters from Fionn Mac Cumhaill to mermaids, from giants to the Fianna warriors; it was a wonderful mix of humorous, tragic and magical tales that delighted children and adults alike. Read the Irish Times article written by Lorna Siggins.

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INTERGENERATIONAL PROJECT
Nov-Dec 2007

Funded by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland http://www.socialentrepreneurs.ie this project was created to build links between the older and younger members of the community and was a great success in getting both groups to listen and respect the experiences of each other. The six-week project brought together transition year students from St Enda’s Secondary School, and the retired folk from Knocknacarra Day Care Centre. The elders were encouraged to share their stories and memories with the youngsters, whilst the teenagers learned about the craft of storytelling.  It culminated in a performance by the teenagers at the Day Care Centre.  

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STORIES AT THE MUSEUM
Winter 07/08

In Autumn of 2007 we were commissioned by the Galway City Museum to do a series of 5 storytelling nights based on different themes. The project was funded by DEIS, which led to the creation of this website. Each evening was unique and attracted a wide audience of folk, from local to visitors, old and young. Set cabaret style around small tables lit by candlelight, these story evenings were an enchanting way to pass a dark winter’s evening. The themes for the five nights were: Scary Stories, Galway Stories, Solstice Stories, Stories of New Beginnings, and Love Stories. Please check the archive page for digital recordings of these evenings.

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EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR FOLKLORE CONFERENCE
May 2008

Europäische Märchengesellschaft (European Society for Folktales) is a fifty year old German organisation that carries out research and performance of "Märchen" (fairy tales). In May 2008 they held an international conference in Portumna, Ireland, and commissioned Clare and Rab to put together a ninety-minute show of traditional Irish tales.

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DARK TALES
May 2008

Storytelling Theatre at its best, this show was created and performed by Rab Swannock Fulton and directed by Clare Muireann Murphy. This two hour storytelling show for adults explored the darker side of human nature through a superb cache of dark and creepy tales, some from world folklore, others from history and some original stories by Rab himself. Dark Tales ran at the Town Hall Studio, and thrilled and chilled local and international audiences.

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BEALTAINE
Arts Month for the Elderly

Commissioned by Mayo County Council, Storytellers Unlimited visited many of the homes for the elderly and active age centre around Mayo bringing tales and encouraging reminiscing sessions. Using local folklore and legends we told tales around Mayo throughout the month of May to celebrate Bealtaine through the arts with the Elderly.

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NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND, EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVE
Sept/Oct 2008

Storytellers Unlimited participated in the Early Learning Initiative literacy scheme run by NCI at Dublin. Visiting several schools within the docklands area, Clare and Rab performed their stories and facilitated Q&A sessions with the children. The aim of the scheme is to promote an interest in reading and thereby improve literacy in the area.

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BABORÓ International Arts Festival for Children
October 2008

Scary Stories by Torchlight, the show by Storytellers Unlimited was commissioned by Baboró for their 2008 festival. The show was performed at Nun’s Island Studio. A show designed for 7+ (no scaredy cats allowed), Scary Stories dipped into legend and folktales from around the world to create a show of spine tingling scariness for children and adults alike.

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STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS

Through out their two and a half year collaboration Rab and Clare taught many Storytelling workshops, both together and as individuals. As individuals they remain available to teach their craft.

Storytelling workshops can be tailored for any group.  The length of the workshops can be tailored to suit your group or school or gathering.  We have given workshops for schoolchildren, youth drama groups, teachers, youth at risk, university students, and refugees, travellers, and people just interested in the art of storytelling. The aim at the heart of the workshop is to bring out people’s inherent storytelling skills through games, breaking down story structures, creative exercises and performance techniques. They are a fun way to bring a group together and to develop the creative playful side of a person. Storytelling Workshops can also be used as team building days for companies and corporations.