Anne E Stewart: Crossing the River. 16 October 2014

The fourth story in this FREE storytelling series, Words on the Wind. For more information about this innovative project visit our website HERE

click on poster to enlarge

Clare Coburn and Jo Henwood sharing ideas 2014

Now and again with a bit of a nudge from the Storytelling Vic blog editor (me), storytellers share a little of what has been inspiring them, or texts that they think others might find valuable.

Here's one from Vic teller Clare Coburn 

The wisdom of stories in the cinema

When Jackie Kerin asked me for a storytelling source, I was in New Zealand, staying with Kapiti coast storyteller, Judy Frost-Evans. She took me to a recently released local film, ‘The Dark Horse.’ It twines Maori creation stories into a redemptive tale based on the life of troubled chess champion, Genesis Potini. Enjoy this film for its powerful evocation of the courage and creativity it takes to overcome suffering, the extraordinary performances of its stars, and the stories plotted across the chessboard.
Clare Coburn HERE

From Jo Henwood (New South Wales)

For a Storyteller seeking to deepen their understanding of what stories can be told in natural heritage sites, with what spirit, and what purpose, the book to read is The Passionate Fact: Storytelling in Natural History and Cultural Interpretation by Susan Strauss.   This is a fairly contemplative guide, investigating the interweaving of scientific fact and mythic representations in stories, eyes upon the transformative and spiritual powers of story to enrich the relationship of human being to nature.  The cultural interpretation is focused upon Native American stories.  History and museums are barely touched upon.
Jo Henwood HERE

Thanks Clare and Jo

Vic Storytellers working in the western suburbs 2014

Some years ago now, the Moorabool Shire held their first Literacy Trail. It's now an ‘award-winning’ event.

In their own words: The Literacy Trail invites primary and preschool children across the Shire to participate in a number of fun activities designed to promote their love of reading, writing and counting.

The Literacy Trail is brought to the streets of Moorabool thanks to the State Government’s Best Start Program. It brings together local business, emergency services, health and welfare organisations, community groups and local government, as well as schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and playgroups.

Vic tellers, Matteo and Jackie Kerin were happily installed in their spots and together would have told stories to several hundred story hungry folk. No pics of them in action because they were just flat out but here are some photos to give you a flavour of the day.

Congratulations to Jane Gardner and the Moorabool team for another wonderful Trail. 

Storytelling Nights at the Elwood Lounge

There is a new storytelling event in Melbourne: Storytelling Nights at the Elwood Lounge.

These are thematic nights and you will need to check their Facebook page to keep up to speed.

Ian McNally arrived in town from Liverpool only very recently and is dead keen to contribute to the story scene. He and his mate Justin, enthused by the love of a good story tracked down a venue in Elwood and got on with the task of making it happen

If you have a tale to tell, you need to be there by 7.00 for a 7.3O pm start. If you need a feed, there are $12 Parmas and all storytellers on the night get a free drink from the bar.

For how to get there and all other details follow Storytelling Nights at The Elwood Lounge on Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/storytellingnightsattheelwoodlounge/timeline

Here's Tim Spiteri in action at the Elwood Lounge. Tim is a lager than life adveturer. With a small team he recently rowed from Western Australia to the Seychelles (4,000ks); T-boned a Blue Whale, outwitted pirates, and swooned at the moonbow. You can read more about Tim's Voyage HERE