An afternoon at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on the 31st March 2016 opened the door to a world of magic, entertainment, education and bravery. From an eight year old child to the Lord Lieutenant, from dancers to a local MP, with Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and non-believers a journey of enchantment and adventure was about to unfold.
The show opened with an extract of ‘The Heartstone Odyssey’ read by Sir Derek Jacobi which tells how Chandra first comes to understand, through her encounter as a child with a mysterious elephant in the South Indian town of Chidambaram, the home of the Temple of Dance, how dance and using it to tell a story will become one of the most important things in her life. The role of the elephant as the ‘Spirit of the Land’ is established at this point and will become one of the central characters in the story.
In an interview before the show Sir Derek Jacobi said:
‘The story has an important message. It depicts characters that are judging or who are being judged which provides a perfect opportunity for readers to examine this act and the effect it has on others. As an actor I embody characters and have to present them without judgement. The book is capable of reaching a diverse audience, in terms of age, gender, race and religion. It subtly ignites a spark of change by using one of the smallest creatures to tell a story of friendship, compassion, faith, bravery and responsibility. Although there are many things to learn from the journey of Chandra and the mice, it is not judgemental or authoritative but instead provides an opportunity for self-examination, dialogue, awareness, compassion and transformation.’
A moving closing ceremony was led by young people of the Youth Council of Liverpool Community Spirit, an interfaith organisation based in the City. They laid out several special panels to create a ‘circle of faiths’ on the floor of the Cathedral Well. The following words were selected by them and spoken, a final reminder of the purpose of the event and the central themes of the book;
‘Muslims believe that Allah does not look to our faces and our wealth but He looks to our heart and to our deeds.’
‘Sikhs believe that before becoming a Sikh, a Muslim, a Hindu or a Christian, it is best to become a human first.’
‘We believe that It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.’ ‘Mohammed Neguib has said religion is a candle inside a multi-coloured lantern. Everyone looks through a particular colour but the candle is always there.’
‘We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity life would be very boring.’
Cllr Claire Glare, Chair – Liverpool Tourism and Events Select Committee said:
‘The production was a real feast for the eyes and ears with dance from a talented troupe to a fabulous soundtrack, a master story-teller in the wonderful star of Sir Derek Jacobi and a wonderful message. Children and adults alike were enthralled with it all. Delighted to have been able to watch this first performance in such a spectacular and appropriate setting and I am sure that the project will go from strength to strength.’
Robert T H Owen Esq JP DL, The High Sheriff of Merseyside said:
‘I had the pleasure of seeing The Heartstone Odyssey at Liverpool Cathedral on 31st March. Its’ an epic, magical adventure, told via beautiful, colourful dance as well as storytelling, with veteran actor Sir Derek Jacobi. The audience, adults and children alike were enthralled with the performance. Totally unique and amazing, I have never seen anything quite like this before….’
