In Leitrim it’s seldom I am referred to by name by the elders of my county. I usually get “oh you’re the dancer, aren’t ya?!” and them knowing full well I’m the dancer. But in the past 3 years this has changed. Now I sometimes hear “Oh you’re the girl who doesn’t like the trees, aren’t ya?…”
Now, to explain that is quite a long story and one I’m not going to get into here but let’s get things straight; I love trees!
My favourite tree is the Oak.
OAK - DAIR - CHIEF
There are 4 books I have my head stuck in this month for this project.
The Lost Spells - Robert MacFarlane
Ireland’s Trees: Myths, Legends & Folklore - Niall Mac Coitir
A Year’s Turning - Michael Viney
The Hidden Life of Trees - Peter Wohlleben
Oak by Robert MacFarlane
The latter is very intriguing when it comes to my thoughts on the creative path I’m travelling with this film.
Peter Wohlleben writes:
“Trees are sentient: they are communal, they care for their young and for their neighbours; they remember, they can learn and they can count; they may even have emotions and feel pain. Trees are social beings, communicating with each other through their roots, they are able to decide, have memories and even different characters.
Trees may recognise with their roots who are their friends, who are their families, where their kids are. Then they may also recognise trees that are not so welcome.
Oaks form forests that last for thousands of years because they act like families. They are tribal and ruthlessly protect their own kind.”
