Every year since 2001 a group of Vancouver storytellers, joined by peers from across Canada and the USA, have gathered to tell a long story – one that takes 2-3 days in the telling. We love delving deep into the world of story, the pleasure of living together in that world long enough for transformation to happen. Storytellers develop new skills while making lasting connections with a number of Vancouver’s cultural communities.
In the words of one teller: “The highlight of my storytelling year!”
2001 – The 1001 Nights
2002 – Journey to the West, Adventures of the Chinese Monkey King
2003 – The Mabinogion (Wales)
2004 – Kalevala (Finland)
2005 – Stories of Powerful Women Worldwide
2006 – Boktu-kirish and Bora-sheelei (Tuva) and parts of The Tibetan Gesar
2007 – The Fiana Cycle (Ireland)
2008 – Ramayana (South Asia)
2009 – Persian stories – excerpts from Shahnameh, Haft Paykar, Conference of the Birds
2010 – Sundiata (Mali)
2011 – Popol Vuh (Guatemala) and the Legend of Lord Eight Deer (Mexico)
Based on these experiences it has become clear that there is a real appreciation and audience for these stories, and that the different cultural communities accessed have delighted in hearing their Epic stories being told. In the words of one Finnish listener : “We studied the Kalevala in school but is was always a bit dry. You have brought it to life for us!”. After hearing the Ramayana, a woman from India said: “I am so glad my children have been able to hear our story told in English.”
Epic 2012 is booked for April 13-15, 2012, with a Norse theme. For more information, stay tuned to the e-list.
Nan Gregory telling part of Popol Vuh
Alvin Sanders telling part of Popol Vuh
Tellers of the Sundiata (2010)
