Beyond The ForestThe Grail Quest is an archetypal story of the journey of humanity and of each person. Parsifal's search for wholeness - passed down by generations of storytellers - is re-told vividly here by Kelvin Hall.
There is a Parsifal in every one of us as we move from the innocence and naivety of forgetting, through courage and surrender, to love and redemption. Impaired by fear, bewilderment, loss and misunderstanding, we learn to trust the instinct of the heart as well as accepting the wisdom and support of others on the way.
This ancient story, told by Wolfram von Eschenbach in the Middle Ages, asks us why we restrain ourselves from asking the compassionate question. It shows how the result is our suffering and alienation, and that by engaging with the suffering of others, we acknowledge our own. This brings forth the possibility for transformation and renewal.
Because this is an initiation story, it will be especially useful to English and Drama teachers, storytellers and psychotherapists. This Parsifal story is an essential part of the Steiner/Waldorf curriculum for Class 11 (17 year olds) and Beyond the Forest is the most accessible version for teenagers.
Kelvin Hall was first told the Parsifal story by his future wife, Barbara, Storyteller-in-residence at Ruskin Mill, Gloucestershire, he is well-known on the festival circuit. He won the Hodja Cup for Lying at the Crick Crack Club, 1st April 1993.
