Reflections

Posted-onBy lineBylinerowan

    One month since I returned home from the UK tour of the new folk opera, “Rouse Ye Women”. What an incredible experience it was and what an inspiring story of hope. We surely need that in these times. We need to continue to share these real life, grass roots stories to help people know that it is possible to stand up to and win battles against those who would oppress.
    I will miss Bird but I hope I take with me, some of her determination and her courage. She is, without a doubt, one of the strongest and most inspiring women I know ! 

    On a more personal note, to have had the opportunity to work on a project like this has been incredibly exciting. I became part of a world which I never imagined I would inhabit -though I have always loved theatre -and I would absolutely do it again ! I am also now the proud owner of a six string banjo… watch out folkies !

    It’s been an honour and a pleasure to work and tour with Townsend productions on the show and also to work with the marvellous John Kirkpatrick. I hope our paths will cross again some time. Keep an eye on what they’re working on here: http://www.townsendproductions.org.uk

    For now, a selection of photographs from the tour… including a photo of the cast with the wonderful Tony Barnsley, who has written an amazing book about the chainmakers strike and a Rouse Ye Women cartoon by the fantastic Jamie Caldwell from Glasgow -brilliant !

    Rowan x

    What people say

    Theatre reviews – Folk Opera “Rouse Ye Women”
    “Rowan Godel’s “Bird,” was beautifully observed. She played the character impeccably including accent, dialect and innocence the women had back then. One warms to this heroine early on and Ms. Godel’s playing is a delight. Her singing is also so effortless yet thoughtful. Enchanting.”
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ loveshrewsbury.com
    Read the full review here: https://www.loveshrewsbury.com/owen-lewis/chain-makers-forge-links-industrial-action

    “Rowan is simply one of the best singers I have ever worked with.“
    John Jones – Singer / writer / musician (Oysterband)

    “I’ve worked with Rowan on various projects and it’s always been a joy. Yes, she has a gorgeous voice – but importantly she also has a great attitude to getting stuck in, to learning, and to making sure she does what needs doing. A proper work ethic, a valuable ear for experimentation and improvisation, and an easygoing temperament. Singing with a smile on her face! “
    Boff Whalley – Musician (Chumbawumba), play wright, activist

    “Rowan Godel is one of those singers who manages to nail a song straight away with no apparent effort. She is not only possessed of an angelic voice, but also fine musicianship and an easy going personality… It has been my privilege to work with her on six CD albums and many live festival and tour appearances, always a reliable and easy going friend and colleague.”
    Ray Cooper – Musician (aka Chopper – Oysterband)

    About work with Billy Cowie:
    “Edge of Nowhere/Under Flat Sky is a ravishing double bill choreographed by Billy Cowie. The sheer beauty of Under Flat Sky is breathtaking: a visual projection designed by German artist Silke Mansholt and vocals by Rowan Godel are all part of an entrancing whole.”
    Stephanie Green – The Skinny Sep 2015

    About work with Billy Cowie:
    Under Flat Sky, conceived and choreographed by Billy Cowie merges music, pictures, poetry, story and dance into an organic whole, measured and meditative. The singing of Rowan Godel creates an atmosphere of magical dreamlike suspension.
    Susanna Battisti – Fogli e Parole d’Arte 27 July 2016

    “ We found Rowan’s Hummingbirds Workshop friendly and fun… Our experience of singing in a choir is limited but Rowan’s excellent teaching methods and warm personality gave us confidence…  The day was well organised but very relaxed, and whatever your level of skill and experience, you felt that Rowan was taking care of you personally.  Highly recommended ! ”

    Pauline and Robin from Gloucestershire

    “I love coming to Rowan’s singing workshops… her passion about the sound she is creating with us is infectious… we are free to be bold and brave in our singing; she makes makes us feel completely safe. She’s that good”. 

    Nic from Evesham

    “ Brilliant … It was great fun. I loved the variety of the songs and the way, as a group, you helped us explore the boundaries of what our voices could each do… Now, I really see how singing is good for our health and wellbeing… Your workshops should be prescribed on the NHS. I’m still buzzing ! ”

    Alex via email. 

    “These are not your average singing workshops. I’ve tried a few, from scary formal ‘you must read music’ groups to raucous rock choirs. Rowan’s are refreshingly different. If you want to improve your singing skills and have lots of fun while learning all kinds of harmony songs ‘by ear’ from all over the world (and some penned by Rowan) then these are the ones to come to. 

    Rowan makes her workshops a welcoming, encouraging space to spend a few hours. There’s plenty of tea and cakes too. All you need is enthusiasm. Give it a go, you’ll be uplifted. “

    Rachel from Somerset