In the Beginning

Ama, a woman in her twenties, sits down in a group of people she does not know and whose language she hardly speaks. There is an uncomfortable pause. John tells Paul to ‘Sing us a song’. Paul takes a breath and suddenly the German words of a song by Schubert ring out. The music finishes and most of the group members convey their appreciation. Someone then suggests that John ‘sings a song’. John explains to the group that he is from Ireland and immediately starts to sing a song in Gaelic, stamping his foot and accompanying himself on a small tambour. Many in the room tap their feet and some reach for percussion instruments to play with John's strident beat. ...