The Moth & Butterfly International Festival of
Storytelling and Improvisation
February 3rd – 5th, 2023
FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAMME:
ALL WEEKEND & UNTIL 12th FEB:
‘Land of Stories’
A selection of audio stories and conversations recorded with local artists,
discussing their practice, and their connection to the landscape of Connemara.
WHEN: Friday, 3rd February – Sunday 12th February 2023
WHERE: Various Locations in Connemara
Participation Free (Donations Appreciated)
'Land of Stories' is an interactive Locative Audio Experience, wherein audio recordings are 'placed' in various locations using location based software, so the stories are activated by being in a specific area. Participants are encouraged to travel through Connemara and experience these conversations in the landscape. Remote access is also available via an online map, for those who can’t make the Connemara pilgrimage. While participation is free, donations are warmly appreciated. You can donate here.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD:
11:30 AM: Stories For Children
/Scéalta do Pháistí
Moth & Butterfly presents treasured storytellers Maria Credali
and Máirín Mhic Lochlainn at The Galway City Library for a session of Storytelling For Children.
WHEN: Fri, 3rd February 2023, 11:30 AM
WHERE: Galway City Library,
St. Augustine Street, Galway City
EVENT NOW FULL!
Stories will be told in English and as Gaeilge (Irish) and a mixture! Ages 6+. Children must be accompanied by a guardian and admission is free.
3 PM: tales of mischief and magic
Moth & Butterfly presents renowned Antrim storyteller Liz Weir,
who will lead us on an exciting journey through the imagination…
WHEN: Fri, 3rd February 2023, 15:00
WHERE: Oranmore Library,
Main St, Oranmore, Co. Galway
ADMISSION FREE
There’ll be plenty of fun and interaction, as we hear great stories from far and wide! Ages 6+ No booking required. All children must be accompanied by guardian and admission is free.
8PM: ‘Parenthetical’
An Improvised Performance With The Jess’ss’ss
Join us for a wonderful evening of improvised truth, heart and story with the Jess’ss’ss!
WHEN: Fri, 3rd February 2023, 20:00 – 21:00
WHERE: Blue Teapot Theatre Munster Avenue Galway
TICKETS: €12
Using stories and inspiration from the audience based around the theme of 'Parent', the performers will discover characters and scenes never before seen. Stories about finding and losing oneself, comedy and grief, love and loss, oftentimes all at once. There's no predicting what may emerge, but we do promise an original night full of truth, heart and story. Audience: 18+ Booking essential! Theatre setting: doors 7.30, show at 8pm, no admission for latecomers. Please email us in advance of attending (to mothandbutterflystories@gmail.com ) if you have accessibility requirements.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4th:
2pm: The Story In The Song:
A Workshop with Colin Urwin
Join renowned storyteller and songwriter Colin Urwin to shape a story into a song.
WHEN: Saturday, 4th February 2023, 14:00 – 17:00
WHERE: Blue Teapot Theatre, Munster Avenue, Galway
TICKETS: €30
Learn what it takes to shape a story into a song. Whether it be an historical ballad or a quirky glimpse of life, some of the best stories can be sung. No musical experience or instrument needed, just a willingness to give songwriting a go, and be prepared to be delighted. We'll even supply a singer if you are shy yourself. Audience: 16+ Hailing from the Glens Of Antrim, Colin has several CDS of Storytelling and Songs and performs as a storyteller and musician all over the world. Please email us in advance of attending (to mothandbutterflystories@gmail.com ) if you require accessibility access.
7.30 PM: Moth & Butterfly Flagship Night:
‘Stirring the Pot’
Join the Moth & Butterfly Crew, special festival ensemble, and audience tellers for their flagship night of storytelling and improvisation.
WHEN: Saturday, 4th February 2023, 19:30 – 22:00
WHERE: Blue Teapot Theatre Munster Avenue Galway
TICKETS: €12
Join the Moth & Butterfly Crew, special festival ensemble, and audience tellers for their flagship night of storytelling and improvisation. The night combines true, folk and improvised tales, all told to a theme. These nights have been described as “truly magical arts night”. Audience 18+ Booking essential! Theatre setting: doors at 7.00, show at 7.30, late admission not guaranteed. Please email us in advance of attending (to mothandbutterflystories@gmail.com ) if you require accessibility access.
‘There’s nothing quite like this night in Ireland – thank you for putting it on, it is spectacular.’
– James, Audience Member
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5th:
3 PM: The Story Chain with Joe Bill
A special participatory event where attendees from all over the world will gather and connect through stories. This online event will be hosted by veteran Chicago performer, teacher and improvisor Joe Bill.
WHEN: Sunday, 5th February 2023, 15:00 – 16:30
WHERE: *ONLINE* (Participants will be emailed a link prior to the event.)
TICKETS: €5
Join us for this very special participatory event where attendees from all over the world will gather to tell short personal stories and anecdotes, inspired by creative prompts. Experience how the power of storytelling and listening can connect us. The format is simple. First, there's a check in where everyone says who and where in the world they are, along with answering a simple, quick check-in question. Then, there are three 15 minute rounds in breakout groups. In each round there is a theme given to prompt the first story. Whomever in each group is inspired first shares their story. Of the remaining people in the room, whomever is inspired by the first story (and/or by the theme) begins by saying what they are inspired by and then shares their story, and so on through the group. There are 2 more rounds that follow the same format and at the very end a check-out where people share highlight moments from the event. Audience: 18+ This is an online event held via Zoom. Participants will be emailed a zoom link prior to The Story Chain. This event will begin at 3pm Galway Time/9am Chicago Time
6pm: Clare Murphy: Mad, Bad and Occasionally Hairy-Myths & Folktales for Adults
A night of raucous tales full of goddesses, berserkers, and other wild humans that have shaped the Irish landscape, told by the fabulous Clare Murphy
WHEN: Sunday, 5th February 2023, 18:00 – 19:00
WHERE: Rouge Restaurant, 38 Dominic Street, Galway
TICKETS: €15
A night of raucous tales full of goddesses, berserkers, and other wild humans that have shaped the Irish landscape. Expect blood, mayhem and some ancient myth. Audience: 18+ Booking essential! Cabaret setting: doors at 5.30, show at 6, late admission not guaranteed.
“Clare Muireann Murphy’s beautiful lilting voice was in stark contrast to the darkly humorous stories she told us, and her first-rate comic physicality only served to enhance her storytelling.”
– Everything Theatre
8pm: The big story circle
Join the storytelling ensemble and audience as we celebrate the last event of the festival
with a Big Storytelling Circle!
WHEN: Sunday, 5th February 2023, 20:00 – 22:00
WHERE: Rouge Restaurant, 38 Dominic Street, Galway
Doors at 7.30 pm. Admission is by donation/pay what you wish and donations are accepted at the door.
At the Story Circle we will share a short (5-7 min) story. All styles of storytelling are welcome! Those wishing to tell can sign up on entry. This is an over 18s event after 9pm, as the venue is a licensed premises.
