News
“Fowke Tales” – Review – September 13, 2007 by Dennis O’Toole, Peterborough Examiner
The rafters rang in Lang Century Village last night for the world premiere of 'Fowke Tales' (One Woman, 72
Road Trips, CBC Radio, and the rest is Peterborough County's musical history), a tribute to the labour of
love that was the life's work of Edith Fowke, the largely unsung but not forgotten ethnomusicologist that
collected the rich motherlode of traditional songs and new world ballads that were the true stuff of legend.
The play, written by Janet Kellough, Allan Kirby and David (Fiddlin' Zeke ) Mazurek, was warmly received by
a near capacity crowd comforted in sweaters and shawls against the cool autumn air outside the majestic
structure. Based on the friendship that developed between Mary Townes (of the Douro drygoods clan) and
Mrs. Fowke, the play takes one back in time to the field recordings made in the old general store (that
stands remarkably unchanged to this day) in the Irish settlement just east of town. Kellough's portrayal of
Mary Townes is the centrepiece of the performance, and her narrative weaves the songs and anecdotes
into a piece of whole cloth guaranteed to pluck the heartstrings of anyone raised in these parts and invites
all to share in the rich heritage of farming, logging and pioneering spirit that was still very much alive in the
1950's.
Allan Kirby shines (on banjo, guitar and vocals) as 'Pa' Townes, ably assisted by Aengus Finnan on guitar,
bohdran (Irish drum) and vocals, Jim Yates (guitar and vocals) and the wonderful David (Zeke) Mazurek as
the ever-present and indispensable fiddler. From the moment Mary brings in the washing (to the strains of
CBC radio folk programming) and meets the integral (but not visible) Edith Fowke, the play unfolds as a
seamless recollection that celebrates the worth and wealth of the common people.
Many of my people lay beneath the sod in St. Joseph's cemetery, and I can rest assured that they rest in
peace with such fond tribute paid to their neighbours and kin as is done in this production. History and
humour, murder and rebellion, hungry immigrants laid to rest at sea and on the arduous route here that
was the lot of those that carved out Peterborough County; 'Fowke Tales' has it all, and plenty. Part of the
40th anniversary celebrations of Lang Century Village, this play is a marvelous trip back in time, and highly
recommended to all fans of music and history, come early and stroll the grounds, bring a warm wrap (and
maybe a cushion; it's not a 'soft seater'), and prepare to be well and truly entertained. The four talented
young dancers of the Peterborough County Steppers (Ashley Lemoire, Kaleigh Watts, Ari and Julie Vowles)
help to wrap each of the two acts, adding percussive energy to the rousing musical stew.
'Fowke Tales' plays until Sunday at 7pm. (www.langpioneervillage.ca or call toll free
1-866-289-5264 for ticket info)
Allan Kirby hosts a workshop on traditional music for banjo and guitar at Lang Century Village September
24th-28th.
Road Trips, CBC Radio, and the rest is Peterborough County's musical history), a tribute to the labour of
love that was the life's work of Edith Fowke, the largely unsung but not forgotten ethnomusicologist that
collected the rich motherlode of traditional songs and new world ballads that were the true stuff of legend.
The play, written by Janet Kellough, Allan Kirby and David (Fiddlin' Zeke ) Mazurek, was warmly received by
a near capacity crowd comforted in sweaters and shawls against the cool autumn air outside the majestic
structure. Based on the friendship that developed between Mary Townes (of the Douro drygoods clan) and
Mrs. Fowke, the play takes one back in time to the field recordings made in the old general store (that
stands remarkably unchanged to this day) in the Irish settlement just east of town. Kellough's portrayal of
Mary Townes is the centrepiece of the performance, and her narrative weaves the songs and anecdotes
into a piece of whole cloth guaranteed to pluck the heartstrings of anyone raised in these parts and invites
all to share in the rich heritage of farming, logging and pioneering spirit that was still very much alive in the
1950's.
Allan Kirby shines (on banjo, guitar and vocals) as 'Pa' Townes, ably assisted by Aengus Finnan on guitar,
bohdran (Irish drum) and vocals, Jim Yates (guitar and vocals) and the wonderful David (Zeke) Mazurek as
the ever-present and indispensable fiddler. From the moment Mary brings in the washing (to the strains of
CBC radio folk programming) and meets the integral (but not visible) Edith Fowke, the play unfolds as a
seamless recollection that celebrates the worth and wealth of the common people.
Many of my people lay beneath the sod in St. Joseph's cemetery, and I can rest assured that they rest in
peace with such fond tribute paid to their neighbours and kin as is done in this production. History and
humour, murder and rebellion, hungry immigrants laid to rest at sea and on the arduous route here that
was the lot of those that carved out Peterborough County; 'Fowke Tales' has it all, and plenty. Part of the
40th anniversary celebrations of Lang Century Village, this play is a marvelous trip back in time, and highly
recommended to all fans of music and history, come early and stroll the grounds, bring a warm wrap (and
maybe a cushion; it's not a 'soft seater'), and prepare to be well and truly entertained. The four talented
young dancers of the Peterborough County Steppers (Ashley Lemoire, Kaleigh Watts, Ari and Julie Vowles)
help to wrap each of the two acts, adding percussive energy to the rousing musical stew.
'Fowke Tales' plays until Sunday at 7pm. (www.langpioneervillage.ca or call toll free
1-866-289-5264 for ticket info)
Allan Kirby hosts a workshop on traditional music for banjo and guitar at Lang Century Village September
24th-28th.
NorthBlueBanjo.com
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