Jewel

We staggered in around 1am this morning having had an extraordinary evening even by West Cork standards.

First off a wonderful supper overlooking Roaringwater Bay then off to the gaunt remains of Schull workhouse for a site specific performance of Anail na Beatha  - Breath of Life. Several hundred people gathered under an impressive sunset and were  lead in small groups around the large site in the increasing darkness, illuminated by our group leader carrying a sort of light sabre. There was an awful lot of not very much happening and that which was was mainly poor quality projection onto the walls showing a live perfomance going on inside the building, consisting of intense dance, discordant music and wailing. We sat for hours just looking at the illuminated ruins of the building (the projection was on a different wall) which did look spine tinglingly austere but Himself and I both agreed it was an opportunity missed. How much more powerful would have been a dramatic performance rather than an art one. A promenade performance perhaps where you are led to certain events/tableaux taking place connected directly with the building and its inhabitants. This almost happened but not quite. For me the evening came alive when there were a few readings from the period - I would have loved to have heard more authentic voices from those who endured time here.  It was all oddly lacking in emotion and I have to confess I most enjoyed looking at the moon which had a halo around it and watching the stars slowly appear. The highlight was the appearance of the space station as it glided soundlessly across the heavens. I wonder how many other people noticed that. Glad I went though. And I'm very glad I took a cushion. 

No photography was allowed at the event but I did take a quick shot of  part of the workhouse as we queued to go in - this was the reception building where admissions were made. It must have chilled your heart to see it.

And the first of the peacock butterflies have appeared, jewel-like .

And some interesting comments re Homer and translations from yesterday.