I’m performing two storytelling shows at the International Book Festival on Monday August 29th: 10:30-11:15 and 3:00pm – 3:45pm. I’ll be accompanied on keyboard by Seán Pugh (remember Flock of Seagulls).
http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/storytime-52.
A couple of weeks ago, I enrolled on a course with Canadian photographer Vivienne McMaster. Along with others, we are exploring ourselves and our relationship with our surroundings through our cameras. We were invited to ‘dip our toes’ in the ocean of creativity.
Dipping my toes in the ocean
A couple of weeks in and I can say it’s been an amazing journey with a number of pleasant and some challenging moments.
I’ve been inspired by the multitude of photos taken so far by the others on the course. So much imagination, reflection and playfulness.
At times, I have not enjoyed looking at myself. I’m struck at how much older I seem than I feel or think I am. Often, I don’t seem to be doing anything…just standing there being photographed. I wonder what others will think.
Is that really me?
Then, there are other moments when I love the playfulness I’ve encountered in myself.
Within the past 2 weeks, I’ve been on an incredible journey of self-discovery. I’ve reminded myself of how important creative expression is to my well-being. I am grateful to have this opportunity to explore and share with others even if we are scattered across the globe. I look forward to the time ahead. Peace.
We have all lost someone dear to us. . . . Yet, it’s often as if we live in a world where death never happens, or at least never gets talked about, or mourned or lamented in a collective manner.
Born from a shared experience of bereavement, this event offers a celebration, tribute and exploration of dying and grieving and what it means to live every day of your life.
Hosted by the Kilgraston School for Girls, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire Scotland.
Friday February 11th, 6-9pm: ‘Leave to Remain’, a powerful and poignant performance and discussion by writer Jo Clifford, actor Suzanne Dance and cellist Harriet Davidson.
Saturday February 12th, 10-5pm: ‘Living Every Day of Your Life’, a creative time for reflection and discussion with psychotherapist Martin Williams, storyteller Michael Williams, and lecturer Ruth Cave.
Saturday February 12th, 7:30-11:30pm: a celebratory meal, concert with Mary Mac and friends and ceilidh featuring the Kev Murray Ceilidh Band.
Join us at Kilgraston School on Friday February 11th and Saturday 12th for this unique event.
To register, contact Ruth Cave at r.d.cave@dundee.ac.uk or on 01382 370768 by 31 January 2011.
Eastern Encounters: stories of hope, blessing and transformation, MUSEartspace, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Canada, 2 January 2011.
I enjoyed this afternoon’s performance. It was gratifying to get a chance to perform these stories again after their premier at the Edinburgh International Storytelling Festival in October. Thanks to all of you who shared your afternoon with me. Thanks for listening.
I want to wish all my readers a very Happy New Year and hope that 2011 unfolds as an amazing and meaningful story for you.
Check out the new site of the the Transcend: Art and Peace Network. T:AP is a network of artists, musicians (and storytellers) using their art for peace. My page is here at http://www.tapnetwork.org/tappers/michael-williams/ but check out the other pages and learn more about some wonderful artists working for peace through their art around the world.
Here’s a podcast of an interview I gave to storyteller Alette Willis in Edinburgh back in June 2009. It was just after I’d returned from the Healing Words storytelling tour in the Holy Land. Go to http://restoryingtheearth.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/podcast-added-michael-williams-speaks-about-healing-stories-and-the-middle-east/
A wonderful, healing work of art from Tanya Davis and Andrea Dorfman.
Click on the link to read more about my storytelling residency at MUSEartspace Gallery in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in Canada.
