Butterfly Soul

The World Premiere of Butterfly Soul a story of love, longing, loss and hope. 

Created by Joe Brennan, this new nested* oral storytelling performance features traditional and original stories, interwoven with atmospheric music from harpist Ruth Lydon and supported by ArtLinks and the Wexford Arts Office.

A gentle reflection on grief, Butterfly Soul follows the journey of a man so consumed by loss that his identity has become simply ‘The Widower’.

A recurring dream prompts The Widower to go in search of his beloved. As he travels, he confronts his fears and denial, empowering him to give expression to his grief and to find his way home.

A consoling meditation on grief, Butterfly Soul offers a kind hand of reassurance through loss.

*A nested story has an overarching story that is told through a series of individual tales.

Joe Brennan is a professional storyteller, writer and theatre maker from Wexford. Through his stories he invites us into our imaginations, brings light into our lives and offers opportunities for reflection. Joe shares his collection of traditional and original oral stories in art centres, schools, libraries, health settings, theatres and at storytelling and arts festivals. He has told stories across the island of Ireland and beyond. Last year he was the YARN Storytelling Festival’s International Storyteller in Residence at the World Storytelling Café in Marrakech, and recently was artist in residence, with artist Marie Brett, with South Tipperary Arts Centre. Joe received a bursary from the Arts Office of Wexford County Council Arts Office, through ArtLinks, to develop this piece.

Ruth Lydon is a harpist, composer and teacher of the Irish Harp based in Callan, Co. Kilkenny. With her deep love for traditional music at the core of her craft, she enjoys collaborating with musicians from diverse genres, and has shared the stage with acclaimed acts such as Kila, The Henry Girls, Damien Dempsey, Mary Black and Paul Brady. A keen collaborator with multidisciplinary artforms, she has also performed alongside visual art, spoken word and storytelling.