Inspired by the rediscovered Gospel of Mary Magdalene, these workshops will explore the gospel-making process and help you to create your own. Through this two-part workshop, you will learn about the heritage and meaning of the word ‘gospel’ to explore writing your own text to then embed into your own handmade paper, embellished with wild flower seeds and other natural materials.

Part I: Creative Writing with Jo Blake

The Old English word ‘spel’ means to speak or tell - to weave magic with words, or cast a ‘spell’. The word ‘gospel’ translates as ‘good story’, or ‘good spell’, and is viewed as sacred text - scripture. However, many heretics followed a path of gnosis, or direct experience of ‘god’, rather than canonical scripture. So where does sacred text meet personal experience? What words make up our personal gospels and experience of ‘the mystery’? What spells are we ready to cast or re-weave? Inspired by scriptural form, we will work with metaphor and image to write new, personal gospels, or ‘good spells’.

Part II: Paper-Making with Trish Hughes

Paper artist Trish Hughes will then lead you through the process of hand-making two paper sheafs on which our gospels will be written. Wild flower seeds, and other organic matter, will be embedded in the paper - one sheaf to keep, and one to be given away, planted or offered, wherever your ‘good spell’ wishes to be cast.

What to expect

The full workshop is 3 hours with a short break in the middle. All materials will be provided, please just bring with you a drink and maybe a snack for the break! Although, if you would like to bring any materials from home then please feel welcome to do so. The Paper-Making section of the workshop involves water so please wear clothing that allows you to move and comfortable as well as being able to get a little mucky.

Any questions, please contact Courtenay (Producer) at courtenay@carbontheatre.org.uk

Location

The workshop will be in the Gathering Unit on the Upper Mall of the Grosvenor Centre, Northampton.

Access

One of our facilitators can interpret using British Sign Language (BSL). The space is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet in the centre. Please let us know when you book your ticket if you have any access requirements or requests. If you have any questions, please contact Courtenay at courtenay@carbontheatre.org.uk.

Supported by

The Heresy project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and funding from the Kenneth Fund, Northamptonshire Community Foundation.