Nature is in trouble. Ireland has declared a climate and a biodiversity emergency. As President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins said if we were coal miners we would be up to our knees in dead canaries. Despite our green image we need to do more. Ireland has lost many of its native woods. It is estimated that only eleven per cent of Ireland is currently under forest cover, much lower than most European countries. Finland for example has over 70 percent forest cover while Spain has over 35 percent. How can we celebrate the life of woodlands and connect more with nature, to support the planet that gives us life and sustains us? What can we do to stop the felling and destruction of trees?
Brigid of Kildare, patron saint of Ireland has returned. She invites us to join her in the forest and enter the world of trees. Brigid takes us on a journey through the history of trees from the Ice Age to present times, exploring how forests have changed over thousands of years. Listen to stories about the ancient, sacred trees of Ireland such as oak, ash, birch, hazel and hawthorn and explore the wonders of a Celtic tradition of trees and forests where magic can happen.
Join us as we reflect on ways to re-wild the landscape and re-wild the human soul. The Art of Trees is an outdoor performance inviting us to walk in nature, to leave behind a world filled with straight lines, computer screens, concrete blocks and clock time, to explore why tree cover in Ireland has fallen so low and to reflect on the role trees play in our ecosystem. What can be done to save our sacred trees and ancient woods and take action in the fight against climate change? The show is a theatrically staged fusion of theatre, poetry, story, dance and music and is a dazzling storytelling performance suitable for all ages that is fun, magical and sparking.
Credits
Mary Moynihan, writer
Carmen Ortiz, director
Fiona Bawn Thompson, actor
Abdelmonem Nassef, actor
Carmen Ortiz Victorio, actor
Ciara Hayes, actor
Lisa McLoughlin-Gnemmi, performer and musician on violin
Ciara Hayes, producer
Supported by The Trees Project and Creative Europe