The ancient art of storytelling returns to Listowel this September as the Listowel International Storytelling Festival takes place from Thursday, September 17, to Sunday, September 20.
Organised by Kerry Writers’ Museum, the festival celebrates the rich tradition of the seanchaí with a packed programme of storytelling, music, poetry, workshops, walks and family events.
Bringing together storytellers from Kerry, across Ireland and further afield, the festival offers a chance to hear stories in the places and communities that have long inspired them.
This year’s festival will also celebrate the life and legacy of renowned Kerry storyteller Éamon Kelly, marking 25 years since his death. Highlights include special events dedicated to Kelly, alongside performances, discussions and storytelling sessions throughout the weekend.
Kelly described the seanchaí tradition as ‘the oldest one-man show on earth’, and throughout his long career, he captivated audiences with hilarious yarns and stories, often delivered in the intimate glow of ‘firelight and candlelight’.
With events taking place across Listowel during the four-day festival, it promises a warm celebration of the spoken word, folklore and stories passed from one generation to the next — a fitting addition to Listowel’s long-standing reputation as a town of writers and storytellers.
Other events include Tales over Teacups with cultural icon Sonny Egan, as well as The Storytellers Trail with John Keane, who will lead a story walk taking in the birthplaces of literary greats Bryan MacMahon and John B. Keane.
Kerry Writers’ Museum and the Listowel International Storytelling Festival are also delighted to welcome jazz and soul singer Karen Underwood for her debut performance at St John’s Theatre & Arts Centre. Karen will celebrate the music and life of iconic singer Nina Simone.
Among the lineup of guests is Omar Belaarej – a young and talented storyteller from Marrakech who amazes audiences with his skills. He will bring old Moroccan tales to life, sharing stories filled with wisdom, morals, and cultural traditions. What makes his storytelling special is his ability to tell stories in different languages, including English, Arabic, and Tamazight, allowing him to connect with people from various backgrounds.
Eileen Sheehan – winner of the Brendan Kennelly Poetry Award, and Bealtaine Writer in Residence at Kerry Writers’ Museum – will also explore the joys and foibles of human life and relationships viewed through the prisms of memory, dream, mythology and folklore. Her most recent collection is The Narrow Way of Souls (Salmon Poetry).
Check out the Kerry Writers’ Museum Facebook page for full details.