Kay Rouse
Storyteller, Chandlery, Paternosterer & Games demonstrations
Periods covered: Late medieval, pre-reformation Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Dickensian, WW2 Home Front
Contact: Kay Rouse
0208 856 8287
Storytelling
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My storytelling draws on both oral tradition and contemporary sources with the stories told in modern voice. 'TheTerrible Murder of Arden of Faversham' remains a favourite - and offers unexpectedly modern detective work... |
My 'Dragon Tailes' selection often features at Tudor celebrations - though as ever, presentations can be particularly themed, tailored to special interest groups and made suitable for all ages.
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…) Pre-Dissolution use in votive shrine offerings and other religious significance is also considered. The upheaval of the Reformation is considered as well as the choices open to chandlers afterward...
| Sealing Wax Activity: We have developed non toxic but otherwise historically accurate sealing wax in various period colours. |
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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. |
Paternosterer
Until the Dissolution bites 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 Tudor society.
This presentation 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; look at votives, offerings and cures - and finally describe the shattering of the Reformation.
Workshop Activities can include both real rosaries and chaplets made for proper devotional use and modern non religious 'talisman' strings referencing traditional themes.
Games
We also demonstrate renaissance games introducing playing cards and Troule en Madame - the latter a healthful passtime or another opportunity for vicious betting?
Gambling, puzzles and games of skill offer the opportunity for hands–on participation by both children and adults
Workshop Activities: Many of the earlier Tudor 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.
