The art of storytelling has been around for a long time. It is a part of cultural heritage. Around campfires, across the kitchen table, in living rooms, automobiles and classrooms most people have heard stories that have kept them mesmerized.
The newly formed Shuswap Storytelling Circle continues the tradition at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 at the Salmon Arm branch of the Okanagan Regional Library.
The circle is open to everyone interested in sharing stories and improving their storytelling skills, as well as anyone who just wants to listen to a good story.
Both experienced storytellers and newcomers are welcome. There is no cost and pre-registration is not required.
Hosted by Shuswap Literacy Outreach co-ordinator Jennifer Findlay and storyteller James Murray, as MC the group will continue to meet the first Tuesday evening of every month to share stories, expertise, assistance and resources – all with the aim of reviving the art of storytelling.
Participants will learn various storytelling techniques and have an opportunity to put them into practice.
Findlay says the idea for the circle was born out of a desire by a number of people who had taken part in a series of Literacy Outreach-sponsored storytelling workshops facilitated by Murray, who did not want the experience to end.
“There are no real hard and fast ground rules,” she says. “Any and every kind of story can be told as long as it is by word of mouth, rather than read aloud.
All that’s required is a willingness to share stories or a desire to sit and listen.