In an exploration of the feminine archetype, a choir of 40 voices unite with instrumental support to present, “Goddess Chant,” a sung liturgy composed by songwriter Shawna Carol. Chants, dance and story guide the audience through a ritual of the
In an exploration of the feminine archetype, a choir of 40 voices unite with instrumental support to present, “Goddess Chant,” a sung liturgy composed by songwriter Shawna Carol.
Chants, dance and story guide the audience through a ritual of the goddess at 7:30 p.m. May 28 and 29 at the Aston Aloha Beach Resort Plumeria Room in Wailua.
Performed in New York, Texas, Washington state and Massachusetts, “Goddess Chant” is comprised of 12 chants sung in rounds supported by a narrative guiding the audience through ritual.
“Goddess Chant” began as a single song in 1986.
“At that time I knew I was being asked to write a divine liturgy — a sacred work to the divine feminine,” Carol said.
But it took another 10 years for this lifetime songwriter to complete the remaining 11 songs, and another 10 to develop the ritual that would act as a framework for the production.
In 1997 Carol recorded “Goddess Chants Sacred Pleasure” on Lady Slipper Records, followed by the first live production.
Carol has been composing songs for 35 years and written two other musicals. Formal devices utilized for “Goddess Chant” are repetition of chants and rounds.
“I was always crazy about Gregorian chants, so they influenced me,” she said.
Rounds, a simple phrase cascading over itself, is used to put the listener in an altered state of consciousness or trance.
“Your defenses are down so it brings the ideas in more deeply,” she said.
With the youngest participant at 5 years old and the eldest in their 60s, the chants examine the many roles of women: maiden, mother, daughter, sister and aged wisdom-keeper. Poetry and prayer, dance and song, “Goddess Chant” is a celebration of the sacred. Tempo ranges from lullaby to rollicking Gospel and rock. This playful and prayerful exploration encourages unity and acceptance while embracing the mystery of the unseen.
One beloved chant for Carol is titled “Praise Her” because it refers to “every woman,” she said.
“I am quite serious about having an actual practice of really speaking praise to that person. She is your daughter, your sister, your wife. Praise her. It culminates the process of celebrating the feminine.”
Produced, conducted and directed by Ronda Rice, (“Voice Weavers”), “Goddess Chant” is a fundraiser for the Sacred Birthing Foundation and Birthing a New Humanity Center in Kilauea. Tickets are $20 and available by calling 639-0402 or from the following outlets: Papaya’s Natural Foods, Kapa‘a and Hanalei; Scotty’s Music, Kalaheo; Healthy Hut, Kilauea and Vim and Vigor, Lihu‘e. Visit goddesschant.com to learn more.
• Pam Woolway, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or pwoolway@kauaipubco.com.
