‘Christmas Cabin of Carnaween’ a Tribute to Cay Wiant

By FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF

December 8, 2010

Creative Cauldron’s production of “The Christmas Cabin of Carnaween” continues this weekend at ArtSpace Falls Church (410 S. Maple Avenue). It is a stage adaptation of an old Irish folktale about the journey of Oona Hegarty, a tinker’s child who spends her days caring for others in other people’s homes and dreams of someday having a cabin of her own.  Her wish comes true when the fairy people come to her aid on a snowy Christmas Eve.

The production honors the life, work and memory of Cay Wiant, who was a long-time teacher in the Falls Church City Public Schools.  Cay was a wonderful storyteller, often featured at Cherry Hill Farmhouse and FIRSTfriday of Falls Church events.  Cay’s life was enriched by a reverence for all things magical.  She wrote extensively about the fairy world and loved all things represented by fairies: mischief, wonderment and the power of belief.  Creative Cauldron’s founder and producing director, Laura Hull, said “we are thrilled to have Cay’s spirit guiding us as we bring this enchanting Irish fairy tale to the stage.”

“Christmas Cabin of Carnaween” features an ensemble cast of professional and community actors and live music by the Irish duo known as “Tir Na Nog.”  Tickets for “Christmas Cabin of Carnaween” are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.  Performances are Friday, December 10, & 17 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 11, & 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, December 12, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday, December 19, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Reservations can be made online at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 571-239-5288.  ArtSpace Falls Church is located at 410 South Maple Avenue in the Pearson Square Building.  Free parking is available in the garages at both the 400 and 410 South Maple Ave buildings.