A POEM encapsulating the entire history of Jersey ‘in just under ten minutes’ has been filmed as part of the Island Identity Project.
Three years ago ArtHouse Jersey commissioned John Henry Falle – otherwise known as The Story Beast – to sum up everything about the Island, from the formation of its geology deep in the mists of time to the latest wave of immigration from eastern Europe in the last two decades.
His response to a mission others might have considered impossible was greeted enthusiastically by ArtHouse Jersey director Tom Dingle, who called it ‘an effortless weaving in and out of Jersey’s complex past, whilst simultaneously imparting a sense of wonder and pride about this rock we all call home’.
For Mr Falle, whose creative skills have been mobilised in the service of subjects as diverse as ghost stories for children and adults and reflections on lockdown, the project proved especially interesting.
‘When you zoom out, our Island’s story stops being about particular historical characters and starts being about geology, technologies, trades, faiths, landscapes and the movements of people. When even the past refuses to stay still, all you can really do is admire the scenery and appreciate that it’s constantly eroding beneath your feet.
‘So, the work will never be done, it just stops, and if the poem is successful I look forward to the next few years of being told how wrong I was,’ he said.
First performed as part of ArtHouse Jersey’s celebrations marking the organisation’s move to the Grève de Lecq Barracks, the poem now has a new life thanks to a film released with the government’s support as part of the programme exploring the Island’s identity.
Political lead for the work, International Development Minister Deputy Carolyn Labey, said she was thrilled by the result.
‘It is something that I have been very keen to see in this format to enable the performance to be shared more readily, as it is truly inspirational.
‘I am therefore delighted to have been able to support this wonderful and hugely informative film,’ she said.
