A new production company – Atlantic Rhythm Productions ( http://www.atlanticrhythm.com/) have created a wonderful play, inspired by the Irish tradition of having a party for someone who is leaving home.
This departure, leaving home was with an understanding, that the person would never return home.
This leaving was celebrated, with a party and became known as “an American wake”, as more often than not, that was where the person was going – America. In the 1800’s & 1900’s, leaving home was not simply moving out, but leaving the country altogether.
This is especially poignant when you consider, that in those times, people left, never to return. Only now in the year of “The Gathering”, do we see a large contingent of folk, returning to Ireland, the home of their ancestors. Some, one generation removed, some two & three generations removed from Ireland. Some with fond stories relayed to them by their mothers, fathers’, their grandmother or grandfather or some aunt or uncle. These stories live on through these people, who continue to hold a love alive, for a country most have never seen. Others come, with no stories, but a small piece of information, that some ancestor came from Ireland, from a village, who’s name has become “lost in translation”. But they yearn to trace this connection, to see where they came from, to reconnect with their Irish heritage.
They come to Ireland to reconnect, hoping that someone of their distant family remains, with tales of old family homesteads – some still in situ, though run-down, with stones walls remaining to tell a story, that has faded with the passing of time.
“The Emigrants’ Farewell” tells the story of where it all began. The leaving, the departure from the Irish home.
It has, of course, it’s own unique twist – a departure with a difference – a journey to America, on a big ship, none other, than the ill-fated Titanic. The audience observes, singing, dancing, live music - entranced as they watch the family say goodbye, knowing, that each of these peoples fates are in the balance, the Titanic is going down, and with it, nearly all its passengers.
We do not know who will survive, but this journey will make you consider, when we set out on Life’s journeys, the outcome is never guaranteed.
Here are a few images from the show, one you should not miss…