AN exciting new music and drama project is currently taking place on the Northside.
‘Story Shoots & Musical Roots’ is a six-week programme of music and drama for toddlers and their parents and is part of Dublin’s Culture Connects’ The National Neighbourhood.
This fun and lively programme, which began on March 6 and is running until April 27, is being held at the Central Library ILAC Centre and Charleville Mall Library, North Strand.
The workshop, which is totally free for anyone to join, is led by artists Mary Sheehan and Ríona Sally Hartman.
The toddlers are encouraged to act out stories through sound, song and drama in this upbeat weekly workshop.
Activities for the toddlers are fun and varied. Exploring through play and music, they act out stories from home, near and far, titled ‘Fad agus sa bhaile’.
“We’re starting with some existing stories and fairytales from around the world but we’re hoping that as the weeks go on, the group will be making up our own new adventures,” said artist Mary Sheehan.
‘Story Shoots & Musical Roots’ came about through a Dublin’s Culture Connects ‘Tea and Chats’ event, run by the initiative’s engagement team.
Dublin’s Culture Connects Engagement Officer Sandra Rodriguez Campos met the Mother & Toddler group in Central Library over a year ago. “They said they would love if there were more activities locally where parents and children could enjoy time together: something that could allow the parents to meet other parents and children, as well as doing something all together that would make their toddlers smile,” she said.
Bernadette Cogan, Central Library, added: “The library are delighted to be able to offer this to our local parents and toddlers. It’s not only a really lovely activity for children and parents, but also a unique and welcoming way for us to present storytelling to our youngest library users.”
Meanwhile, as part of Dublin Culture Connects’ The National Neigbhourhood, there are a number of ongoing projects taking place around North and South Dublin with community groups, in areas including Ballybough, Ballyfermot, Bluebell, Cabra, Coolock, Clontarf, Crumlin, Donnycarney, Fairview, Finglas, Inchicore, Raheny, Rathmines, Stoneybatter and the Liberties – to name a few!
Communities involved range from craft groups to walking groups, choirs to colleges, nursing homes to hospitals, and scout dens to schools.