Merlin Theatre Events
Autumn - Winter 2008
view Run of the Mill magazine here
WEEKLY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Thursdays. 10.30am-12 midday.
78, Cherry Tree Road, Sheffield S11 9AB
Universe, Earth and Man
A comparison of present assumptions about what is reality, with those of ancient Egypt, and a description of the deeper spiritual aspects of Nature.
A study group of the book by Rudolf Steiner
For further information, please phone
Bernard Morton on 0114 2863565
Thursdays, beginning 18th September 7.30-9pm
Freeman Hall, adjacent to Tintagel House.
Tintagel Choir
Focussing on the spiritual quality of tone; and including voice work and a variety of musical genres.
Led by Andrew Thompson, music tutor at Freeman College.
Costs. £25/£12.50 for a block of 6. Enquiries, please phone Andrew on 0114 213 0312
Mondays, beginning 29th September 7.30-9.30pm
Assembly Room 2, Market Hall, Chesterfield
Spiritual Causes – Physical Effects
New perspectives on evolution, world cultures, nutrition, the weather etc. A study group led by Robert Chamberlain.
Collection for expenses
Fridays, beginning 3rd October 7.30-9.30pm
Beyond Belief
For those seeking a spiritual understanding of life without having to adopt a set of beliefs. A basic introduction to Anthroposophy, the universal philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, whose holistic and ecological approach to nature and the human being has given rise to many practical initiatives throughout the world, including schools, farms, medical practices, ethical banks and businesses.
Topics include:- what do we mean by ‘soul’, ‘spirit’, ‘mind’ and ‘self’? How can we become more aware and attentive? Coping and dealing with change in life. Imagining different modes of being, before birth and after death. Relating Paganism, Christianity and the other World Religions. The evolution of consciousness and the inner meaning of myths and legends. The future of the Earth
A course of short talks, discussions and exercises in awareness, led by Robert Chamberlain.
Voluntary contributions
Tuesdays, beginning 7th October 7.30-9pm
The Temple Legend
The truth behind the stories of Cain and Abel, and Hiram and Solomon and their connection with Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism and Christianity.
A study group of the book by Rudolf Steiner.
Five Thursdays, beginning 20th November 7.30-9pm
Freeman Hall, adjacent Tintagel House
Singing for Christmas
Preparing Georgian songs, music by John Tavener and lesser-known carols for the Festival on 21st December.
Led by Andrew Thompson.
FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS
Tuesday, 30th September 7.30pm
A Celebration of the Autumn Festival of the Archangel Michael in words and music
Tuesday, 11th November 4.30-6pm
Freeman Hall, adjacent Tintagel House
Lighting the Lantern. A Celebration of light in the darkness (Martinmas) For children and their parents.
The previous Tuesday, the 4th. A preparatory evening making the lanterns and learning a song. For 5 to 10 year olds. Led by Andrew Thompson.
Sunday, 21st December 3pm
Freeman Hall, adjacent Tintagel House
A Celebration of the Winter Festival of Light and the Birth of Jesus in words and music.
Performances
Friday 1st February 7.30 Merlin Theatre
Voice of the heart
‘Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of what you really are.’ Rumi.
On the 81st anniversary of Rumi’s birth, actor-storyteller Duncan Mackintosh invites you to a feast of the poetry and story of this 13th century Sufi mystic, a poet as famous in the middle east as Shakespeare is in the west.
What you do is beyond performance, it’s alive – it burns, consoles, reawakens…Muriel Maufroy, author of ‘Rumi’s Daughter.’.
Tickets £7/£5 | Tel: 0114 213 0277
Duncan Mackintosh is a professional storyteller, actor, teacher/director and workshop facilitator.N.B. There is a workshop inspired by Rumi on Saturday, 2nd March,
See under ‘Talks and Workshops’.Saturday | 2nd February | 7.30pm | Merlin Theatre
EARTH AND SOUL
Songs for the Earth, the Soul and the Spirit
Songs of love and transformation, songs of hope, songs for now and the future.
A new troubadour tradition with a touch of ‘celtic flavour’.
Performed by Earthwards, back on the road with their new CD ‘Emblem.’
Jehanne Mehta – composer, all vocals, guitar, drums, whistle.
Rob Mehta – violin, mandolin, bouzouki, drum, vocals.
Will Mercer – guitars, mandolin, bouzouki, drum, vocals.
Tickets £7/£5 | Tel: 0114 213 0277
Thursday 28th February to Saturday 1st March | 7.30pm and
Saturday 1st March | 2.30pm | Merlin Theatre
Hallam Players
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Tickets £8/£4 | Tel: 0114 266 9464
Friday | 7th March | 6.30pm | Merlin theatre
Lempen Puppets
JOURNAL OF THE TURTLE
Turtles are old, millions of years old, as old as dinosaurs, as old as some hills. Go to Turtle Hill and experience an imaginative journey through the evolution and learning of this most fascinating and ancient creature.
A ‘Lempen’ tale about following your dream, told with shadows, table-top puppets and traditional storytelling.
Suitable for anyone over 5. It lasts 50 minutes.
Tickets £5/£3 | Tel: 0114 213 0277 | Merlin Theatre
Lempen Puppet Theatre Company, founded in 1987, is one of Britain’s great touring theatre companies. They tour all over the U.K., and have appeared at festivals, theatres and schools in Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Greece and the Czech Republic.
Tuesday | 18th March | 7 or 7.30pm Brantwood School Productions
YANAMAMO
An ecological musical about the Amazonian rainforests.Tickets £7/£5 | Tel: 0114 258 1747
TALKS AND MEETINGS
SOCIETY IN CRISIS
Don’t curse the darkness, light a candle. In the spirit of this saying, the following talks will not only offer ways of understanding how our present situation has come about, but also describe some attempts at longer-term solutions. One of the meanings of the Greek word Krisis is ‘judgement’, so you could say that our present ills are a kind of judgement Western society has brought upon itself with its emphasis on a mechanistic approach to both human beings and nature. On the other hand, in Chinese, the character for ‘crisis’ is also the same for ‘opportunity’. Out of the chaos of the present, new possibilities are opening up, if we are sufficiently creative and awake. The old traditions and conventions as well as our natural social instincts are no longer enough to guide our actions. This is having the effect of making us think far more deeply about what can really work for now and into the future.
Saturday, 27th September 10am-12.30pm
Childhood
In terms of legislation, rights, opportunities, experiences and spending money, society has never done so much for its children. Yet, they are suffering in ways we never expected. And the consequences are measurable. Aric Sigman will look at some of the causes we can do something about, e.g. electronic media, parenting style, and education and offer a clear practical message about what we need to do as parents, teachers and policy makers to help mend ‘Broken Britain’.
Talks and discussions led by Dr. Aric Sigman,
Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He travels widely to observe the way people live and parent.
Costs £5/£3. Students free.
Co-organised with Freeman College
Fri 17th Oct 7.30-9.30pm and Sat 18th 10am-12.30pm
Politics
Many people today sense the party political system is beyond repair and no longer corresponds to the needs of the times. Is politics a mask behind which global business run things? Are our ‘democratic freedoms’ but a charade? Can we move beyond single issue politics? Where can the seeds for a new politics be found? What is the relationship between the individual human being and the world of politics?
Two sessions of talks and discussions, which can be attended separately. Led by Terry Boardman, author and historian.
Collection for expenses.
Fri 7th Nov 7.30-9.30pm and Sat 8th 10am-12.30pm
Religion
Friday. Talk and discussion
Humanity is at a crossroads. Old dogmas can no longer be accepted on faith; yet the modern scientific worldview is proving inadequate. Fundamentalism and atheism are both reactions to this situation. Spirituality is also on the agenda again. Religion was always more than a spiritual world view. What can religious life mean today? How can the world religions relate to each other?
Saturday. Talk and discussion.
The Being of Love. “Where Love is, there God is also” Tolstoy. Starting in the 20th century, many people say they have experienced a being of light and love, in times of crisis as a comforter and friend. Who is this being, and how can we experience him?
Two sessions, which can be attended separately. Led by Rev. Tom Ravetz, priest of The Christian Community and author and teacher on theological subjects.
Collection for expenses.
Fri 21st Nov 7.30=9.30pm and Sat 22nd 10am-12.30pm
Prisons
Friday. Talk and discussion
Why prison doesn’t work for many. Comparison with other countries. Prison education and training. Drug rehabilitation and restorative justice. Protecting society and reforming the offender. Phil Forder’s successful motivational programme, ‘The Art of Living’.
Saturday. The Art of Living. A workshop (just as suitable for law-abiding citizens!). Painting and drawing as well as video presentations and games.
Given by Phil Forder, Arts Intervention Manager at Her Majesty’s Prison/ YOI Parc in Bridgend. Combines art and education, drawing on his Waldorf school background. Works with all types of offenders. Developed an award-winning Motivational Programme, ‘The Art of Living’.
Collection for expenses
.
OPEN SPACE
1ST Sunday in the month, beginning 5th October 7-9pm Freeman College, Stirling Works, 88, Arundel St, S1 2NG
A place where people can explore the deeper questions of life from many different viewpoints, perspectives and belief-systems. The topic and format (group discussion, short talk or talks followed by questions and discussion) will be decided for the next meeting by those attending the previous one. The subject for the first one will be: ‘Are there non-physical realities that we cannot perceive with just the outer senses?’
Free admission. For further information, please ring David on 0114 2685753
Tuesday, 4th November. 7.30-9.30pm
The Pyramids
What were they really built for? How can we understand the ancient Egyptian view of the after-life?
A talk by Constantin Court, formerly teacher and education manager at Sekem, an ecological initiative near Cairo. Now Neighbourhood Head at Freeman College.
Costs. Voluntary contributions.
Talks and Workshops
Thursdays | beginning 10th January | 7pm – 9pm | Tintagel House | Sheffield or
Mondays | beginning 14th January | 7.30 – 9.30 pm
Assembly Room 2 | Market Hall | ChesterfieldTHE SOUL
What is it, and does it differ from the mind and the spirit? Was its nature different in ancient times, as portrayed in art and mythology? Do animals and nations have souls? Are there soul exercises we can do to help us become more creative and responsive to the needs of others?
An experiential approach, with talks, exercises and discussion. Led by Robert Chamberlain
£5/£4/£3 per session |there are 9 sessions | For further details please ring 07974 906421
Saturday | 2nd February | 9.30am to 1pm | Freeman Hall [above the Merlin Theatre]
HEART OF RUMI
‘We are the mirror as well as the face in it.’
This workshop, given by Duncan Mackintosh, is a gentle invitation, beyond beliefs and doctrines, to be with ourselves and each other in the unfolding mystery of who we truly are, in the good company of Rumi’s welcoming spirit.
Alongside his other artistic and teaching work Duncan has been researching and leading workshops on the theme of practising presence and embodied spiritual transformation for many years.
Costs £15/£12 | Please book by 31st January
Tel: 0114 213 0277
N.B. Duncan is performing Rumi’s poems and stories on Friday, 1st February.
See under ‘Performances.’Saturday | 23rd February | 10am to 12.30pm | Freeman Hall [above the |Merlin Theatre]
EXPRESSIONS OF THE SOUL IN MOVEMENT
Integrating our body, soul and spirit.
An introductory workshop in Eurythmy for anyone over 16. A chance to participate in this unique art, along with a short talk and demonstration.
No special physical fitness is required.
Please bring soft shoes.
Given by Andrea Damico Gibson, Eurythmy therapist, teacher and performer.
Costs £10/£8 | please book by 21st February | Tel: 0114 213 0277
Sunday | 24th February | 10am to 1 pm | Tintagel House
TECHNOLOGY AND THE SOUL
Illustrated talks and discussions led by Jeremy Naydler
Computer technology has become the inescapable mass medium for everyone who wishes to participate in contemporary culture, but its effect on the human soul is for many a cause for concern. This talk will consider the radical ideas of the pioneers of computer technology, trace the origins of the computer and the rapid development of so-called ‘artificial intelligence.’ And indicate the direction in which this seems to be heading. How can we as individuals accommodate the tidal wave of new technology in our lives and at the same time nurture our relationship to the delicate inner life of soul and spirit?
Jeremy Naydler holds a doctorate in theology and religious studies, is author of a book on Goethe’s scientific writings, Goethe on Science and two books on ancient Egyptian religion, Temple of the Cosmos and Shamanic Wisdom of the Pyramid Texts. He has a long-term interest in depth psychology, the evolution of consciousness and Western mystical ad esoteric traditions.
Costs £10/£8 | Please book by 22nd February | Tel: 0114 213 0277Friday | 29th February and Saturday 1st March | Tintagel House
WHERE IS BRITAIN BOUND?
A new chapter in the matter of Britain in the 21st century – restrictions and possibilities.
Lecture and workshop given by Terry Boardman.
There is a widespread view that Britain is currently facing an identity crisis and is at a critical point in its historical development. Do you share this view? In an age of globalisation, is it even relevant to discuss the identities and potential ‘tasks’ of individual countries?
Themes covered will be: Gordon Brown’s ‘vision for Britain’: Global policeman? Economic missionary? Human rights advocate? Willing partner with the USA – or with the EU? Britain is supposed to be a democracy and as such, we all share in responsibility for the actions of the British State. Are you interested in what Britain is, or could be, about? The way we imagine the past can blight or enlighten the present and thus limit or illumine our vision of the future.
Friday | 7.30pm | Britain – Past and Present. Its contribution to global affairs. A talk.
Saturday | 1st march | 10am to 1pm | Presentation/Discussion Session offering a forum to explore historical and future perspectives.
Costs | Talk only £5/£3 | Presentational Discussion £10/£8 | Both events £12/£9
Please book by 27th February | Tel: 0114 213 0277
Terry Boardman is a lecturer, translator and author of Mapping the Millenium – Behind the Plans of the New World Order and Kaspar Hauser – Where did he come from?Tuesday 4th March | 7.30pm to 9.30pm | Tintagel House
ACHIEVING THINGS TOGETHERRecognising our common humanity
A talk with numerous real-life examples on how to work with people who are different from us.
Given by Tom Boydell, who has a life-time experience of facilitating individual and organisational learning, both in Western and Islamic countries. He is the director of consultancy, ‘Inter-Logics’ and author of over twenty books.
Costs | Voluntary ContributionsSaturday | March 8th | 10am to 5pm | Freeman Hall [above the Merlin Theatre]
A JOURNEY INTO OUR INNER LANDSCAPE THROUGH COLOUR
A one-day workshop based on Karl Koenig’s essays on the human soul*
While most places on the earth have by now been explored and mapped out, our inner landscape is still largely unchartered territory. Working with colour is a wonderful way of creating both a map and a compass to enter this rich world of our soul. We will be working with oil painting on paper using rags instead of brushes to achieve a glowing freshness and subtlety of colour, a method which is suited for the beginner as well as the more experienced painter.
Given by Karin Jarman, who works as an art therapist at the St.Luke’s medical Practice in Stroud and runs courses in the country and abroad.
Costs | £28/£22 | Includes all materials and lunch.
Please book by 3rd March | Tel: 0114 213 0277
*Karl Koenig was the founder of the Camphill Movement for Special Education
Tuesday | 11th March | 7.30pm | Tintagel House
CULTIVATING THE SOUL – CULTIVATING THE SOIL
How they go hand-in-hand
Agriculture is a culture, [i.e. a form of life] not a business. However, it needs supporting financially, if our most primary needs are to be met. Where is that support to come from?
A talk by Aonghus Gordon, founder and director of The Ruskin Mill Educational Trust.
The Trust has just acquired farming land for its fourth college near Darlington.
Costs | Voluntary contributions.
