Federation of Asian Storytellers

To the best of our knowledge there are now two federations uniting storytellers across Europe and Asia: FEST (Federation for European Storytelling)  and FEAST (Federation of Asian Storytellers). Perhaps one day, those of us in the Australia Pacific region will unite - FEAPST!

FEAST and FEST differ in many ways and in others, are similar. The European organisation is for organisations in Europe, not individuals.

The Asian organisation is open to organisations, individuals and non-member countries (countries not defined as 'Asian').

You can follow the links we have given you and explore for yourselves what these groups do and what they are planning.

Storytelling Australia Victoria decided to support the growth of the Federation of Asian Storytellers by joining as a non-member country and we have made a generous donation towards supporting storytellers from developing Asian countries to attend the first conference and towards memberships.

Storytelling Australia Victoria has friends and members with deep roots in Asia. And many of us working in schools and preschool centres have broadened our knowledge of traditional stories from across Asia to acknowledge the background of our listeners.

Storytelling Festivals are blossoming across Asia - in Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Tamil Nadu and Singapore, drawing tellers from around the world together in story. Australian based storytellers are increasingly participating and connecting with colleagues to the north.

***AN OFFER FROM FEAST
Support to attend the inaugural conference in SINGAPORE 23rd 24th November.

As an institutional member of FEAST, Storytelling Australia Victoria can offer a discounted rate for a couple of our members to the upcoming Storytellers' Conference.

Keynote: Margaret Read McDonald
Workshops: Dr Wajuppa Tossa, Ariyo Fardh Zidni, Sheila Wee, Jeeva Raghunath, Alicia Dongjoo Bang, Ng Kok Keong as well as Christine Carlton (Australia), Craig Jenkins (UK) and Giovana Conforto (Italy).

The conference program is available HERE.

Timing is tight. So if you are a member of Storytelling Australia Victoria and you are interested in attending this conference and accessing the discount, please:
Email: storytellingvic@live.com.au 
Subject: FEAST

The world of storytelling, connection and support just keeps growing!

RAW Garden Storytelling October 7 and November 4

 Only two more RAW Garden Storytelling sessions for 2018

Its been a wonderful year of story sharing and connection and we are grateful to Durgah Devi Palinasmy and Mariam Issa for keeping us on track.

Sunday 7th October Please join us in the garden as it bursts into spring

RAW Garden Storytelling is a partnership event with Mariam Issa and the RAW Garden and Storytelling Vic. The Garden celebrates the uniqueness and aspirations of multicultural women through gardening, storytelling, crafts and cooking. Durgah Devi Palanisamy (Dee) from Storytelling Vic is our host. Dee will have a mix of special guests and story games and there is always a space for friends to tell a tale.
 
THEMES: Sometimes we have a theme but we are not strict about this and will let you know if there is something in particular we would like to explore.

photo: Tatiana Castelo Chaves Scott 

Sunday 4th November Deepavali

Enjoy the Festival of Lights (Deepavali). In November we celebrate with food and stories! We invite you to bring a plate of nibbles to share and look forward to having an amazing afternoon with you.
This is the third year Dee has shared Deepavali with us - come along, learn with us and celebrate the end of a wonderful year of stories.


WHEN: Raw Garden Storytelling12 PM - 3 PM
WHERE: 325 South Road Brighton East

COST: FREE
BOOKINGS: not necessary.
ENTER: by the drive way gate. 

We value listeners and storytellers equally and take pride in welcoming newcomers to RAW.

Fabled Nights: October 19 and November 16

Fabled Nights in Newport will soon be winding up for 2018.
We have two more gatherings left, 19th October and 16th November.
BUT there is work to be done!!!

Storytelling Australia Victoria is celebrating World Storytelling Day 2019 at The Dock on March 23rd.

THEME: Myths, Legends and Epics.

We'll have a curated show for children in the morning and in the afternoon, Storytelling Australia Vic storytellers will be invited to share a story for adults.

TIME TO PRACTICE
If you would like to toss your hat into the ring for the afternoon show,  we suggest you start researching and practicing now. And what better place to practice than at Fabled Nights. Think 10 minutes and think big!

An Expression of Interest form will be sent to our members closer to the end of year, so now is a good time to check your status if you wish to tell a story. Membership.

Anna Manuel sharing a new kamishibai story at the September Fabled Nights

Fabled Nights in Newport is an open-hearted space for people who want to learn to craft true tales, traditional stories, tall tales and yarns; heart to heart and without notes. We welcome beginners and experienced folks. So come and strut your stuff, share what you know, try out a new story or tell a tale for the first time.

There's room for around 10 storytellers and we ask that stories be no longer than 10 minutes, give or take. We ask that stories be said not read.

We reserve 2 - 15 minute places for people who want to try out longer stories.

Let kind hearts and commonsense prevail: racist and homophobic stories hurt people so please don't bring them to Fabled Nights.

WHEN: Friday 19th October and 16th November 7.30pm - 10.00pm
WHERE: Newport Community HUB 13 Mason Street, Newport
COST: $5.00 or $3.00 (Storytelling Vic and Newport Fiddle and Folk Club members). No Booking required.

*WHEEL CHAIR ACCESS
* FABLED NIGHTS is an inter-generational event. Children welcome at parent/carers discretion.

Fabled Nights in Newport is a partnership event with Hobsons Bay Libraries and is supported by the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club.

PARKING: There is free parking at the rear of the building. Coming from Mason Street, turn left at Durkin Street then left into the car park. Entry to the HUB is from the park.

INVITATION: Dreaming and Planning for 2019

Sunday, October 14, come and get involved in Storytelling Australia Victoria (SAV) and have a say in what we do.

One of our trained and experienced facilitators will aim to encourage all voices, ideas and collaborations.

This is an annual gathering where we invite members to an open discussion.

As our numbers swell, we feel the need to offer more ways for people to participate and have a say in the structure, direction and activities of the organisation.

What kinds of events, activities and relationships would you like to be involved with in the calendar for 2019?

What skills, time and energy do you have to contribute to our events? The more skills we have in the pot, the bigger we can dream.

• Mcing
• Photography
• Recording
• Graphic design
• Front of house
• Website design
• ....

How can Storytelling Vic better support:

• individual dreams
• community strengthening
• building the network across Victoria
• …..
  

WHEN

Sunday, October 14, 

10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

WHERE
East Melbourne Maternal and Child Care Health Centre, Powlett Reserve cnr of Grey and Simpson Streets East Melbourne

RSVP 
10th October
Jackie Kerin by text: 0412 210 098
OR
Storytelling Australia Victoria: storytellingvic@live.com.au

Lunch provided. Any special dietary requirements please let us know when you RSVP.

*If you are a member but unable to join us and wish to contribute your ideas and capacity please email your thoughts to us before October 14 and we will make sure that your ideas are recorded and discussed.

*If your membership has lapsed, you can sign upon the day

INFO ABOUT THE VENUE
You should keep in mind that the building adjoins the East Melbourne Child Care Cooperative but the room we are using has a separate entrance. The entrance is closer to the ‘city end’ of the building, there may no longer be any signage there indicating a community room/MCH building.

It should be noted that parking is a bit tricky around this building, it is metred parking (1-2 hours) and would suggest that anyone attending get parking in Richmond or perhaps Colling (which are really close by).

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The building really close to North Richmond train station, Victoria Parade trams and also a lovely walk through the gardens from Flinders Street.

PROBLEMS
Jackie Kerin: 0412 210 098

'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