Jan Wositzky. Congratulations: Historical Interpretation Award and NLA Folk Fellowship 2013

pic: (L-R) Jan and John Ellis)

I'm off to Canberra at the weekend to put a couple of weeks in at the NLA (National Library of Australia) finishing my research on WE (Bill) Harney. I've been awarded the 2013-14 National Folk Fellowship to do this research and to put on a piece of storytelling theatre, to be titled 'Bilarni', at the National Folk Festival next Easter. My focus in the show is to be black-white relations in Australia through the life of Harney. So finally I will be bringing this project to bear fruit - it's been going since 1987.

The Monster Meeting CDs also won the Historical Interpretation Award at the Victorian Community History Awards this year, which is a nice bit of acknowledgement, and we're moving that project towards a short documentary.

Learn more about The Monster Meeting HERE

Storytelling Vic tellers spotted at The Village Festival 2013

The Edingurgh Gardens came alive with mayhem and madness: music, food, dogs, discos, storytelling and so much more. Storytelling Vic tellers were out in force. Teena Hartnett (co creator of Ladders to the Moon),  Niki na Meadhrea (Enchanted Evening), Andrew McKenna and Jackie Kerin were all there telling stories and hanging out with Village visitors.

There were stories for young and old: sweet, rude, heartfelt, ridiculous, global and local. We are a versatile bunch of wordsmiths. The storytelling rolled on from Friday through to Sunday - not only are we versatile, we are indefatigable.
Learn more about The Village HERE

Pics from north to south:
1. Andrew describing how it feels to be half human half echidna.
2. Niki ready for action
3. Teena had them enchanted inside the black plastic inflatable thingy
4. Jackie posing in front of the Storytelling Vic banner ready for some Aussie tales. She loves that banner!

The inaugural Reading Trail Picnic 2013

The inaugural Reading Trail Picnic went off without a hitch. Hosted by The Melbourne Library Service in the Carlton Gardens, the weather threatened us momentarily but in the end, the morning was perfect. Dotted under the old trees was a trail of storytellers, authors and illustrators. Almost two hundred primary school children had the opportunity to savour the story makers in small groups; loads of questions and many laughs. Storytelling Victoria tellers included Niki na Meadhra, Julie Perrin and Jackie Kerin.

Melbourne Library Service is  a great supporter of traditional oral storytelling and Storytelling Australia (Vic). Visit their website HERE

Pictured here: Niki na Meadhra and Jackie Kerin. (Some might say, 'Double trouble!)

Roslyn Quin: a black belt storyteller 2013

Roslyn Quin was drawn to storytelling by a unique path. She joined Storytelling Australia only recently and in very little time made her presence felt with her style and originality. Unafraid of a challenge, she has taken on the task of managing our Facebook, which has hundreds of followers around the world. I can't tell you how grateful we are! Here is Roslyn telling her own story after a wonderful night of magical tales at Ladders to the Moon.



Learn more about Roslyn HERE

Ladders to the Moon @ The Village Festival - Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy 1st Nov - 3rd Nov 2013

Storytellers rounded up and corralled by Tenna Hartnett from Ladders to the Moon: Monica Tesselaar, Clare Coburn, Andrew McKenna, Jackie Kerin.

Also keep an eye out for Niki na Meadhra on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Adults and children's sessions.
Check the The Village website for times: HERE click on ED Gardens.

Follow Ladders to the Moon: HERE
Read about Clare, Andrew and Jackie on the Storytelling Australia (Vic) website: HERE 
Niki na Meadhra: HERE

Griffith REVIEW and Monash Fairy Tale Salon event: 7 November 2013

Griffith REVIEW and Monash Fairy Tale Salon invite you to an event to celebrate the publication of Griffith REVIEW: Once Upon a Time in Oz.

In Once Upon a Time in Oz, Griffith REVIEW holds up an enchanted mirror to explore the role of fairy and folk tales across cultures in this country, and creates new ones. For many, coming to Australia meant leaving centuries of fairy tales, myths and legends behind and falling painfully onto the hard and naked ground. How did immigrants re-weave a cushion of stories encompassing the new narratives of place? What are the tales that preoccupy, entertain and guide the culture today in the land of Oz? How did they make their way here? What has happened to them over time?

Co-editors Julianne Schultz and Carmel Bird, and contributors Tony Birch, Ali Alizadeh and Jane Sullivan join Rebecca-Anne Do Rozario from Monash Fairy Tale Salon to ask ‘Is there an Australian fairy tale tradition?’

Date: Thursday 7 November, 6.00 for 6.30 pm

Venue: Bella Union, Level 1, Trades Hall, Cnr of Victoria and Lygon Streets, Carlton

RSVP by Monday 4 November

For more information, to book an interview or request a review copy, email Susan Hornbeck, Publicity.

Simon Oats and Ladders to the Moon 2013

Storytelling Australia welcomes Simon Oats.

Simon Oats is a storyteller, musician, singer, songwriter and teacher. Simon came to traditional storytelling via acting; he trained at the Victorian College of the Arts before touring Europe with physical theatre company, 5 Angry Men. He is also the author of Storytelling for Intercultural Connections - a handbook for Australian schools.

Simon's acclaimed show, Orpheus in the Underworld in now available for download HERE

A passionate member of the Australian Storytelling revival, Simon is the co-creator of Ladders to the Moon, a monthly night of traditional storytelling in Melbourne. Ladders to the Moon is fast becoming the place where storytellers connect in Melbourne, sharing tales, enjoying wine and working to raise the standard and profile of oral storytelling. This is Simon captured on video closing the October night of classy tale telling.



Simon maintains a terrific website full of information about his journey as a teller of tales, videos and booking details  HERE