photo by Johanna Austin, Austinart.com

photo by Johanna Austin, Austinart.com

Keening

"Keening" is an experimental workshop in embodied vocalizing, loosely inspired by the Celtic tradition of keening: wailing at the funeral of a loved one. This workshop is open to anyone who is interested in moaning/wailing/singing/burping with other people.

“Keening” proposes that grieving is not an individual feeling, rather it is a group action. I am tempted to replace the word “group” with “community.” That grieving is a community action. But this workshop does not create community. “Keening” offers an opportunity to slide, or crawl, or sprint, or waltz through the landscape created by the intersection of voice and grief.

There is no prior dance or vocal training required for this class. There is no one way “keening’ is supposed to sound. There are many ways to participate.

Contact me to inquire about bringing keening to your organization, school, studio, or digital platform