Storytelling at the 6th Newport Folk Festival 2013

This Festival has grown from the grassroots. An initiative of the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club, its managed entirely by volunteers.

Storytelling has always had a place at the Festival but this year, with the support of Storytelling Australia (Vic), the stories and the tellers shone bright.

Festivals are wonderful places to connect with others who share the same passion, build relationships and collaborations and plan fresh projects.

Here are three short videos to share some of the highlights for those who couldn't be there.

Stories by the Fire: hosted by Niki na Meadhra and Kate Lawrence for Storytelling Australia (Vic)



The launch of The Man from Ironbark and other Australian poems and stories: Dave Davies has been reciting verse and telling stories around camp fires for over 60 years



The Miller's Tale: The retelling of The Miller's Tale from the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer with Jackie Kerin, Simon Leverton and Danny O'Connell.

Federation for European Storytelling Conference (FEST) Rome 2013

Jackie Kerin sharing the Roman experience.

With the support of storytelling colleagues, friends, my Folk Club and Hobsons Bay Council, I represented Storytelling Australia (Victoria) at the Federation for European Storytelling Conference. Following the Conference was the Rome International Storytelling Festival.

The idea for a European Federation for European Storytelling was first mooted in 2001, in Paris at the Maison du Conte in response to the challenge faced by storytellers to be recognized for their art. Behind the Federation is the idea that as a group, storytellers would have more ‘weight’ as well as providing a network for building expertise, collaborations, and the development of new storytellers.

FEST is a not for profit organization with its address in Belgium.

To be a member you have to be based in Europe. Members include: storytellers, producers and festival directors. Non members are welcome.

Since its formation, FEST has met in Oslo (Norway), Lausanne (Switzerland), Reading (England) and Toledo (Spain).

This year, FEST attracted 90 delegates. The non member guests included, Canada, Pakistan, the USA, Singapore and Australia.

The conference is a mix of discussions and idea sharing: training young storytellers, audience development, putting storytelling on the cultural map.

Many discussions were parallel to those we have in Australia eg, agreement of the function and design of a website, cultural appropriation, encouraging young tellers etc

The big difference between Australian and European storytelling, as I saw it, is the separation of storytelling as art, from storytelling as a ‘tool’ to educate, heal etc. Many of the storytellers are deeply connected to their oral traditions and focus on the folk tales from their place. I perceived less interest in original stories and autobiographical storytelling.

The next FEST Conference will take place in 2014 in the north of Sweden and should we wish to send another Australian we will need time to fundraise and apply for grants to get them there. FEST was exhilarating and exhausting. I learned much and am keen to share my experience.

I met several old friends of Australian storytellers and compiled this little film for you all.

I have also created this video of the Conference. Its a little rough (my first attempt at such a thing) but I thought it was a better way of sharing the experience with you, rather than a long email.

Jackie Kerin: Off to Rome to the Federation for European Storytelling Conference and Festival 2013

I’m off to Rome for the Federation for European Storytelling Conference. Its a privilege to represent my storytelling colleagues from Storytelling Australia (Vic). Seems like the popularity of oral storytelling is going from strength to strength. Look no further than UK Daniel Morden’s spectacular impact at the recent Sydney Writer’s Festival.

I won’t be presenting at the FEST Conference; Australia is not a member of the Federation (wrong continent) but I have memory stick in my bag with photos and introductions from some of the finest Victorian Tellers, that I will show off with pride.

Following the Conference I’ll be working at the Rome International Storytelling Festival where I have a show, for children and one for adults. I'll be telling original stories based on material bandicooted from the State Library of Victoria newspaper indexes, tall stories inspired by the work of Graham Seal and Bill Wannan, stuff from my own head blended with urban myth and I have my indi comics/zines and original kamishibai story packs to trade.

I’ll be working with Mariella Bertelli, who will also be translating for me. Mariella visited Storytelling Australia (Vic) a while ago – some of you will remember her tale from The Decameron.

As I lay my stuff out to pack – I'm thinking it looks like I've raided one of those Aussie souvenir shops in Swanston Street but I can assure you, its all of the finest quality, original and loved. I've purchased a new memory card for my camera with the plan of documenting the experience to share on my return.

Ciao!

La Senora Jackie K

Thanks for your support:

Storytelling Australia (Vic)

Newport Fiddle and Folk Club

Transisitions Hobsons Bay

Captain’s Creek

Leonie Kervin

Gael Cresp

and family and other friends.

Storytelling Program: Newport Folk Festival 5 -7 July 2013

Dave Davies CD Launch 

From Ironbark to Dandaloo, Dave has been bringing us poems and stories of the bush for many years now. This will be a special event as Dave is launching his CD The Man From Ironbark. The CD showcases Dave's extensive repertoire, including C.J. Dennis' The Play, Banjo Paterson's How Gilbert Died and Henry Lawson's The Lights of Cobb and Co. Come along, enjoy a poem or two, and pick up your own copy of the CD.

Newport Bowls Club, Sunday 10:30 am - 11:00 am 
Entry: Wristband or pay at door

Niki Na Meadhra (invitation to tell a story or sing a song)

Storytellers, poets and musicians are invited to join around a crackling fire with one of Melbourne's favourite storytellers. There'll be candles to light the room and spicy chai to warm the heart and loosen the tongue. Bring words to share and ears to listen. All welcome but remember this is a storytelling evening for adults.
Niki na Meadhra is the imagination behind Enchanted Evening, a monthly night of traditional tales held in the Bishop's Parlour at Abbotsford Convent.
Stories by the Fire is hosted by Storytelling Australia Victoria (Kate Lawrence and Jackie Kerin) and No Worries Curries (chai).

Newport Scout Hall, Saturday 06:00 pm - 08:00 pm 
Entry: Wristband or pay at door.

Jackie and Dharma invite the young ones to bring their big people to the Newport Festival Story Time! 

Between them, Jackie Kerin and Dharma have told stories and sung songs with thousands of children at festivals and libraries, nationally and internationally. Their love of language and the oral folk tradition is reflected in their apparently infinite repertoire of rhymes, chants, handclaps.  

Jackie and Dharma will be signing books and cds

Newport Library / Kids Zone, Saturday 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Entry: Free

The Miller's Tale. In company with Simon Leverton and The Rag and Bone Men,
The Miller, fresh from the 14th Century and smelling like a rose, is back by popular demand! Damsels beware! Chastity belts available at the door. The Miller's last appearance was at the Williamstown Literary Festival in 2012 where his tale caused much merriment.
 The Miller (aka Danny O'Connell) was originally the invention of Geoff Chaucer who sadly passed way 14 October 1400. Geoff now resides in Westminster Abbey. Danny O'Connell: raconteur, actor, singer, instrument maker. 
Simon Leverton: member of the NFFC, plays guitar, sings, is a retired Morris Dancer and the man behind Live@Newport. 
The Rag and Bone Men are a motley bunch of wannabie Englishmen who hold to the view that pie, chips and mushy peas are England's greatest gift to the world. They play Morris tunes and sing songs redolent of the rolling English countryside, and the rollicking local hostelries.
 WARNING: The Miller is rude, makes sexual references and uses language that may offend

Newport Bowls Club, Saturday 08:00 pm - 09:00 pm 
Entry: Wristband or pay at door.

For your easy digestion, this is a summary of the story telling events at the Newport Folk Festival. Preview the full program HERE

Jan Wositzky: Storytelling for Grown Ups. 22 and 29 May 2013

Stories & Songs by the Fire. Newport Folk Festival 6 July 2013

Niki na Meadhra and Stories & Songs by the Fire.

Storytellers, poets and musicians are invited to join around a crackling fire with one of Melbourne's favourite storytellers. There'll be candles to light the room and spicy chai to warm the heart and loosen the tongue. Bring words to share and ears to listen. All welcome but remember this is a storytelling evening for adults.

Niki na Meadhra is the imagination behind the Enchanted Evening, a monthly night of traditional tales held in the Bishop's Parlour at Abbotsford Convent.

Stories by the Fire is hosted by Storytelling Australia Victoria (Kate Lawrence and Jackie Kerin) and No Worries Curries (chai).

Newport Scout Hall, Saturday 06:00 pm - 08:00 pm
Entry: Wristband or pay at door

Details about the Newport Festival HERE

Enchanted Evenings (the fourth Sunday of the month) HERE

Cock and Bull: Autobiographical storytelling nights in Melbourne

Six years ago Willow Tales was established in Northcote; an event where people were invited to tell short autobiographical stories to a theme. The popularity of this kind of storytelling has grown and grown. 

Jon Bennet and Cathy Culliver now manage three events under the umbrella title of COCK AND BULL: 

Cock and Bull  (Fitzroy)

Bazaar Tales (City) 

Felix Tales (St Kilda) 

As well as the live storytelling nights, Cathy and Jon have gone into podcasting with "The Cock and Bull". 

Cathy, what inspired these nights of story?

It all began about 6 years ago with Willow Tales, which was originally called Northcote Storytellers. Local poet Dan Lee wanted to recreate the days when people would sit around the house telling stories to each other around a fire. The format began as being like a grandfather telling stories to his grandkids; there was a lounge chair on stage with the only lighting being a small lamp attached to the chair. The storyteller would sit in the chair, turn on the lamp and the story would begin.

Jon Bennett was one of the inaugural performers to get involved, having recently started to include more storytelling in his comedy routine. He eventually took over the running of what we now know as Willow Tales, and it's all grown from there.

What must a storyteller do if they wish to tell a story at any of the events?

They should have a read of our storyteller guidelines (available on the Facebook page), and if they've never been to one of our nights before, we usually recommend coming along as a spectator first, just to get an idea of how it all works. There's also a list of upcoming dates and themes on the relevant Facebook pages.

Then it's just a matter of getting in touch with us on Facebook and letting us know which event you'd like to tell a story at. For those who don't have Facebook, you can email us at podcast@cockandbull.com.au.

 Is there an entry fee to the night?

No it's free entry, but we do usually ask the audience for "pay as you feel" donations at the end if they have enjoyed themselves. It goes toward paying our MCs and other acts, as well as the general upkeep of the events.

Jon Bennet is a comedian. Do the stories have to be funny?

 Absolutely not. It's one of the main things we always stress; by all means, tell a funny story if you want to, but some of the best tales we've ever had have been the ones that have had quite serious, dark subject matter. We do get a lot of comedians performing at our events, mainly because storytelling actually plays a really big part in comedy. But these are not comedy nights and we welcome all kinds of people from all walks of life to get involved. All we ask if that your story is interesting, engaging and succinct. Being funny is great, but it's not a requirement.

Have you plans to include live storytelling in the comedy festival or the Fringe?

Probably not for the Fringe, but we definitely have plans to put on a storytelling show for next year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival, so stay tuned.

Are you are storyteller too? 

 I'm a journalist, so I usually say I'm more interested in helping other people tell their stories than I am in telling my own. That being said, I have got up a few times to tell a story. It's good fun, and always a very safe, low-pressure environment to try out material.

What is the best story you have heard so far?

 That's a really tough call. I asked Jon as he's been doing this a lot longer than me, and he gave me these three:

 - Harley Breen's story of his wife giving birth

- Simon Keck's attempted suicide

- Pinky Watson's story about pretending to be a hippy in the 60s and living across the road from Jefferson Airplane.

Anything else you would like to say?

 Now that we've got three different storytelling nights in Melbourne, we decided it would be easier to put them all under the umbrella of The Cock and Bull, which is the storytelling podcast I started with Jon a few months ago. So you'll start seeing that logo on our posters etc from now on. 

And to listen to our podcast, search for "Cock and Bull" in the iTunes store, or visit cockandbull.com.au. The podcast features many live recordings from the various events around Melbourne, as well as other interviews etc.

PLUS I'd like to say that anyone who has the slightest interest or curiosity in our nights should come on down to check it out. People are constantly coming up to me to say what a wonderful night they've had, but it feels like live storytelling in Melbourne is still a bit of an underground movement and not many people know about it. So please come along, and if you like it (which I promise you will), tell all your family and friends to come too!

You can follow Cock and Bull and keep up with the dates and themes of all the storytelling events and podcasts.  

http://cockandbull.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/felixtalesstorytelling

https://www.facebook.com/bazaartalesstorytelling

https://www.facebook.com/cockandbullpodcast