Ancient
Ceremonies
Theatre
Ancient Ceremonies Theatre
(ACT) is a group dedicated to creating ceremonies for public
occasions as performance art and ritual. It
draws its inspiration from the ceremonies created by our ancient ancestors,
which were used to bring community together in a
spirit of co-operation and celebration.
In this respect it’s ceremonies are similar to the Modern Druid Orders
of the Britain Isles, such as the Gorsedd Y Beirdd responsible for the
Eisteddford’s of Wales, and the Gorsedd Beirdd Kernow of Cornwall.
ACT is not specifically Druidic in its outlook,
nor in its organisation structure, but rather a co-operative of
experienced ‘ritualists’ familiar with the workings of public ceremony who
have come together with the express wish of creating ritual as a public art form
– a theatre. From a religious
perspective, it is ecumenical in it’s outlook and does not see it’s role as
promoting any specific religious or spiritual path, although it feels that there
is a spiritual aspect to its performances. There is no dichotomy in calling ceremony ‘Theatre’
as the very origins of the stage are in the ancient mythological mystery plays
of ancient Greece. We see ourselves
as carrying on this tradition.
The Ceremonies performed vary depending on the needs of community concerned and can include blessings, weddings, and celebration of the ancient festivals of the year (e.g. Summer and Winter Solstices). Although performed in a ‘frame’ they can be altered appropriately and are done with maximum ‘pomp and ceremony’ for the benefit of those present, with the participants dressed in traditional robes and their accoutrements, flame torches, swords, staffs etc. Fire dancing, a traditional form of celebration can also be included as part of the performance.
Contact Gavin Bone:
E-mail: jsfarrar@eircom.net