Kay Rouse
Storyteller, Paternosterer, Chandlery & Games demonstrations
Periods covered: Late medieval, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Dickensian, Edwardian, WW2 Homefront
Contact: Kay Rouse
0208 856 8287
Storytelling
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I tell medieval stories from Northern Europe in modern voice some are based in oral tradition (the lurid saints' tales of my childhood come in handy!)and can be told to offer a 'Cycle of Life' whether in human terms or of the seasons. |
Others are taken directly from contemporary works: my 'Chaucer for Children' stories make some of the best known Canterbury Tales entirely suitable for young people of tender sensibilities...
Most of my medieval interpretations can be made in either respectable secular middle class costume or otherwise dressed as a nun (well, perhaps not the Games?)
Paternosterer
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I also work as a Paternosterer showing how rosaries held complex meanings and themes - in colour, contrast, pattern and symbolism - both for individuals and in wider medieval society |
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This demonstration links especially well with my Pilgrimage presentation where I also give more wide ranging talks on the topic of pilgrimage and look at travel, provisioning and circuits; consider the complex pattern of plenary years and indulgences; explore the lives of famous (and infamous) pilgrims and ook at votives, tokens, offerings and cures
Workshop Activities:These can include making both real rosaries and chaplets for proper devotional use and modern non religious 'talisman' strings referencing traditional themes.
Chandlery
Together with my partner I show many aspects of wax chandlery from straining and dipping of candles to use in polishes and cosmetics and as a preservative (though not the practical aspects of embalming…) Medieval use in votive shrine offerings and other religious significance is also considered.
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Sealing Wax Activity: We have developed non toxic but otherwise historically accurate sealing wax in various period colours. |
| Children (and adults) have the opportunity to make their own wax impression choosing from a wide range of suitable replica seal designs - cast from Medieval & Tudor originals. Their set impression on linen tape can then be taken home as a keepsake. |
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Games
We also demonstrate medieval Games from the more respectable thinking Morris or Fox & Geese types (including ideas for life scale play...) to the vicious riot producing Backgammon sort! Gambling, puzzles and games of skill offer the opportunity for hands–on participation by both children and adults.
Workshop Activities: Many of the earlier Medieval table and board games can be simply re-created on paper or card by folding, using our templates and decorating to suit (then we can also offer suggestions for playing live Morris games on the beach or in the garden!) A simple slot together teetotum spinner to use as a scoring die - alternatively even for predicting the weather or fortune telling - can also be made and decorated. Older children may enjoy having a go at counting and calculating grids.
