Keening in Context: Camilla Hanney in conversation with Marian Caulfield

Keening in Context: Camilla Hanney in conversation with Marian Caulfield

Thursday 14th July, 6-7 pm

In conjunction with her exhibition, Lament, Camilla Hanney will host a public conversation with tutor and researcher Marian Caulfield. Marian recently completed a Ph.D. project examining the 'revival' efforts of those who are re-imagining the practice of sounding grief through improvised cry/singing universally known as 'lament'. Marian's project is particularly focused on the recent efforts being made to re-imagine Irish lament (commonly known as 'caoine' or 'keening'), as a modern healing and well-being tool.

Marian has carried out fieldwork in both Ireland and Finland with groups who are attempting to re-imagine older lament traditions to fit modern purposes. Examining the reported therapeutic effects of this non-musical vocality, brought forth by the body from deep within, and how it is considered as a healing and freeing force for bodily and mental tensions and community cohesion.

Marian's current project examines the budding 'revival' efforts of those who are re-imagining the practice of sounding grief together, through improvised cry/singing otherwise known as 'lament', particularly focused on the recent efforts being made to re-imagine Irish lament 'keening' (or 'caoine' in the Irish language). Marian is interested in the challenges these groups face when attempting to re-invent a lost or dying tradition to be repurposed in the modern world.

Marian Caulfield has worked as a part-time tutor since 2013, academic study coach, student mentor, lesson designer and course coordinator at UCC

Marian completed her BA Music at University College Cork in 2012 for which she was awarded 1st class honors. On this course Marian developed an interest in Experimental Music and Ethnomusicology and also took modules in 'Study of Religions'. Marian is especially drawn in both disciplines, to the area of 'sound' as a 'well-being' tool.

Marian is passionate about fostering a caring relationship with her students through mentorship and pastoral care with a view to enhancing the experience of each student in her charge.

in 2014 Marian was awarded the CACSS Excellence Scholarship to study the MA in Contemporary Religions and was awarded a 2:1 Masters Degree

In 2017 Marian was awarded the CACSS Excellence Scholarship for a PhD research project, which she is currently in the process of writing up after a period of fieldwork and ethnographic research, in both Ireland and Finland.

Marian’s PhD project examines the 'revival' efforts of those who are re-imagining the practice of sounding grief through improvised cry/singing universally known as 'lament'. Marian's project is particularly focused on the recent efforts being made to re-imagine Irish lament(commonly known as 'caoine' or 'keening'), as a modern healing and well-being tool.

Marian has carried out fieldwork in both Ireland and Finland with groups who are attempting re-imagine older lament traditions to fit modern purposes. Examining the reported therapeutic effects of this non-musical vocality, brought forth by the body from deep within, and how it is considered as a healing and freeing force for bodily and mental tensions and community cohesion.

Marian's project also examines the theoretical and ethical issues which surround the re-invention of rituals and lost or dying traditions.

Part of the exhibition: Camilla Hanney—Lament