The Inaugural Moby Dick Literary Festival

A Whale of a time!

One hundred and fifty US schools and colleges viewed a very exciting webinar last week organised by Youghal4All as part of the Moby Dick festival. Youghal renewed its links with the John Huston’s Moby Dick film when they hosted a weekend long programme of activities themed on the movie. The lead event was the webinar where Tim Severn (adventurer and novelist), Dr Laurie Robertson-Laurent (US based Melville specialist) and John Stack (author of four novels as we write) debated the merits of studying Moby Dick in the 21st century, whilst testing the authenticity of what Melville wrote. The webinar was followed by a unique opportunity to view a silent film digitally converted by Mike Hussey, Bobby Whyte and their team. The short eleven minute film which predates the Moby Dick story can now be viewed on www.mobydick.ie

Later on Friday night Community Radio Youghal recorded a series of live interviews from Moby Dick’s bar. Many stories of the time were told by people who were extras in the film and had memories of the stars and the happenings surrounding the ‘event’. A fun night was had by all with many humorous events being relived.

Saturday saw a lively town in Youghal as the exceptional St. Patricks Day parade (also broadcast live) was surrounded by storytelling, art activities for the kids, three marine themed art exhibitions in the tows galleries, a demonstration by the lifeboat and Aquatek and a sea shanties show from the Marquee on Barry’s Lane. Dr Laurie remained on and read some poetry from the marquee throughout the day. Moby Dick’s Bar was filled with memorabilia of the stars and extras from the show.

Sunday began with tales of seafaring. Local maritime historian Frank Mills showed audiences footage of the ships frequenting Youghal port and amused with stories of the fine price that could be had by selling Youghal ladies as slaves stolen away by pirates. The fair maidens were sold into Northern Africa at a premium. A collection of photos prepared by Ollie Casey followed. Children’s eyes were alight then as Margaret Winsor regaled stories of sea creators. Locals brought photographs and autograph books for everyone to see. Magazines from the UK from the 1950’s were seen to be filled with Youghal and Moby Dick. Sean O Neil (playwright and award winning director), Thomas Mc Carthy (renowned poet and author), local people and Pobailscoil students all read extracts from Herman Melville’s Novel. Many visitors to the town dropped in and out of the marquee all day enjoying a flavour of what was on offer.