'Peace of Heart' Mt Macedon

For those of you who couldn't join us for Peace of Heart, a storytelling show in Macedon on Saturday 22nd September, here is a taste of the evening ...

Kate elegantly posing in front of the Mount View Theatre

It was an unseasonably balmy night in Macedon when ten storytellers took to the stage of the lovely Mount Players Theatre to share stories of peace, where its found, how it comes and goes, how we seek it always and how hope for peace springs eternal.

Melvyn Cann setting the mood

Reactions from the audience were warm and appreciative with this comment being made spontaneously on the Woodend Local Business networking Page: 'Had the most fabulous time at the Peace of Heart storytelling show at Macedon tonight. Thank you to the funny, brave, strong & talented storytellers. Can’t wait for the next one!'

Susan Davie with a poignant story from her nursing days

Storytelling Australia Victoria hosted the night and we were very generously supported by Yasna Blandin de Chalain and Roger Farley, members of the Mount Players Theatre who volunteered their time to open the theatre, offer drinks and arrange the lighting and sound. 

Yasna and Roger ready and waiting!

Thank you also to all the amazing tellers.

Kate Lawrence

And thank you Kate for all the planning and to the Storytelling Australia Victoria storytellers who helped with front of house. Until next time ...

Melton Botanic Gardens; Sunday 7th October

Its spring and the earth is exploding into life.  Sarah Depasquale and I are excited to be part of the 15th birthday celebrations of the Melton Botanic Gardens.

These gardens are a jewel in the western suburbs of Melbourne, superb design with beds full of plants from around the world but with a focus on South African, indigenous and endemic species. The lake is also home to the endangered Lathams Snipe, a migratory bird that breeds in northern Japan and Siberia.

Sarah and I have a passion for telling stories on site; one of our favourite places for sharing stories has been the Edithvale Seaford bird hide.

WHEN: Sunday October 7
WHERE: Melton Botanic Gardens: 21 Williams Street Melton
TIME: 1.00 and 2.00 pm (2 x 30 minute sessions)

Jackie Kerin

KATE LAWRENCE: FANTASTIC FEMINIST FOLKTALES

As Spring arrives and the scent of jasmine fills in the air and the buds swell and burst, settle into a warm and cosy space in the inner city of Melbourne, and be enthralled by an eclectic mix of stories, both dark and dangerous, and delightful and inspiring.

Fantastic Feminist Folktales is a storytelling performance of folktales, myths and stories from throughout the ages, inlaid completely with women’s power and potential.

It is a bold, brave and compelling first performance, in the imperfect art that is oral storytelling, from storyteller Kate Lawrence, principal of Story Wise. Kate brings her unique artful eye and feminist sensibility to the classic stories of Red Riding Hood, Joan of Arc, and Demeter & Persephone, as well as other stories.

WHEN
Sat, September 15 
7:45 PM – 9:30 PM

WHERE

The Basement, Hawthorn Arts Centre
360 Burwood Road
Hawthorn, VIC 3122

BOOK HERE

Kate Lawrence aka Story Wise HERE

Thank you Fionnuala Smyth

Storytelling Australia Victoria (SAV) runs on volunteer power. Our committee is small and live in all directions north, south, east and west of Melbourne. We meet once a month via teleconference and several times throughout the year, we gather face to face. 

Fionnuala Smyth hosting Fabled Nights in Newport

We plough through the necessary and not so exciting things like banking, budgets, agendas, minutes and spreadsheets so we can keep the creative pot on the boil. We dream and plan events and activities to keep our members connected and do our best to provide supportive spaces where they can grow their interest and skills at a pace that suits.

We are grateful to the team that keeps us afloat and to those who take on the responsibility of running events.

Fionnuala Smyth has been a member of SAV for only a short while but in that time, despite moving and changing jobs, joined the committee and attended the teleconferences. Insightful, knowledgeable and experienced, we have been lucky to have her on board. Fionnuala, as well as telling wonderful true, fictional original (who can forget her beautiful dragon stories) and traditional tales, hosted Fabled Nights in Newport, Raw Garden Storytelling (when Dee was unavailable) and World Storytelling Day.

Its our loss but Queensland's gain - Fionnuala has moved to Brisbane.

We miss you Fionnuala. Storytellers have a way of keeping the networks strong. I have no doubt we will see you again.

And thank you.

Jackie Kerin (president Storytelling Australia Victoria) and on behalf of the current committee, Kate Lawrence, Durgah Devi Palanisamy, Lana Woolf, Roz Quin, Anna Manuel and Ronda Gault.

An Introduction to Storytelling

Congratulations to Anne E Stewart and Jackie Kerin. Both these Storytelling AustraliaVic storytellers were invited to contribute essays to An Introduction to Storytelling by Storytellers From Around the World, edited by Christine Willison for the Society for Storytelling (UK).

Other contributors include Jack Zipes, Taffy Thomas, and Liz Berg

The launch took place at Beyond the Border - Wales International Storytelling Festival this year. 

An Introduction  to Storytelling by Storytellers From Around the World is available for purchase on Amazon.