We had a wonderful time celebrating World Storytelling Day this year with tales of Wise Fools. The theme for 2019 is Myths and Legends.
We are asking that storytellers start thinking about the new theme, begin researching and start practicing. And Fabled Nights is the perfect place to come along and practice.
Some of you have raised the flag and asked for help as you are more used to autobiographical storytelling. So here goes. Let's break it down a little.
The word 'myth' covers a broad range of stories. If working with sacred myths, be aware of the potential to offend and hurt. When exploring the world of myth, bear this in mind. There is a vast body of material in the universe to dive into without crossing the line into religious and cultural insensitivity. Many First Nations people would rather you not tell their sacred myths.
Oh .. and some old stories can be pretty misogynistic, you might think about contextualizing the story or give it a contemporary twist.
When you research Greek and Roman myths, the classification may also stretch to 'folk and fairy tales'. This is just to confuse you. Go with the flow.
I was going to suggest some links for you to explore but when I googled 'Myths and Legends' an enormous list of resources popped up including what looks like some pretty interesting pod casts.
The Greek and Roman myths are absorbing but there are Russian, Icelandic, Mesopotamian, Welsh, Indian and Irish - to name few.
We also use the 'myth' word to describe characters, stories and phenomena that are believed by many to be true but the evidence is slim: the Lockness Monster, Min Min lights, large cats. Don't be limited by one interpretation of the word. Language is a slippery thing.
Legends or legendary characters are usually believed to have existed. We talk of the legend of Ned Kelly and Robin Hood. There are the Hollywood legends: Katherine Hepburn, Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe. And the legends of saints: Joan of Arc and Saint Sebastian.
Once you dip your toe into the water of old story, I can guarantee you will be sucked into a world that will keep you entertained for the rest of your days.
Check out the writings of Marina Warner, Jane Yolen, Margaret Read McDonald and Graham Seal. Connect with the Australian Fairy Tale Society. There is a great list of books and resources on the Storytelling Australia Victoria website for you to browse.
Come along to Fable Nights and we'll make time to talk old and told story and perhaps if there is enough interest, we can get a workshop happening on the theme. Many of our members have years of experience under their belts thinking about and telling myths and legends.
Myth, legend, folk, fairy tale and tall story: for those of us who like things to be nice and neat, it can do your head in deciding what is what and where to draw the line around a definition.
Of course if you have been thinking of coming along in May to Fabled Nights and have a personal story you want to practice, you are most welcome. We love your stories, whatever the genre.
We ask that stories be 8 - 10 minutes. We have two longer spots on offer if you would like more time.
Come along to Fabled Nights. The urn will be boiling and cake and nibbles ready for half time.
The meanderings above have been provided by Jackie Kerin
Fabled Nights image donated by Rex Smeal
WHEN: May18
WHERE: Newport HUB. 13 Mason Street Newport. *all access venue
Enter from the park side of the building. Car parking at the rear of the building.
TIME: 7.30 - 10.00
COST: $3.00 for Storytelling Australia Victoria and Newport Fiddle and Folk Club members or $5.00
HOST: Our host this month is Fionnuala Smyth
Many thanks to Matt McArthur who stepped into the role in April.
