Scottish Storytelling Centre and Network

Blethers Issue 22 Spring 2011

CONNECTING WITH STORIES IN NEW WAYS New storytelling workshops and short courses programme It always feels good to take a moment to breathe The Connecting with Stories training programme will deeply and reflect on where you are as a new year continue to follow a six-month season. begins. At the Scottish Storytelling Centre we've done The collection of training events will be structured exactly that – and made some resolutions for 2011 around eight strands: Beginners skills; Intermediate that we intend to keep! skills; Advanced skills; Storyteller CPD; Contexts; 2010 was a hard Themes; Storytelling in practice; Artforms and stories. year for many This will make for clear paths through the programme involved in the for people who want to discover and develop their arts, as funding own storytelling skills, will widen the opportunities for budgets deeply exploring story types, cultures and histories continued to be outside a skills setting, and will provide clearly targeted cut and public, events for professionals and volunteers working in private and different contexts who want to bring elements of voluntary sectors storytelling to their work. A new storyteller CPD strand all felt the pinch. Although according to some 2011 aims to equip storytellers with the skills and knowledge promises gradual recovery, storytellers and needed to grow storytelling as a business in tough organisations promoting and supporting storytelling are times. well aware that there are still hard times to come. The programme will offer more variety in event timings At the Centre we've been reviewing our Network and formats, although it will still cover five key themes support and development activity, as our first of Skills, Learning, Heritage and interpretation, Health resolution is to make some positive changes to the and wellbeing, and Traditions, communities and way that we're able to provide professional support to cultures. storytellers and to promote and nurture storytelling in . To do this we'll be working hard, alongside A Network day in June 2011, in a to-be-confirmed the Storytelling Forum, to strengthen our information area of Scotland, will aim to bring together storytellers sharing and communications across Scotland with the and storytelling champions for inspiration, fun, new storytelling Directory in particular. We hope that there ideas and ways of working, in a celebration of the are exciting ideas and developments that storytellers richness of Scotland's storytelling culture and a will want to share through us, too. proactive way of planning for the future. Now that's a 2011 to look forward to. We're also excited about changes to the Centre's storytelling training offering, which will include new The May-October season of Connecting with Stories events to support storytellers as professionals and for is published in April. Check others to connect with storytelling in different www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk ways. Y T E and join the mailing list. R L L O I T N S G

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Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR T: 0131 556 9579 E: [email protected] www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Blethers

Directory Welcome! A warm welcome to storytellers new to the Scottish Storytelling Centre Directory for 2011

Daniel Allison (East Lothian) Claire Druett (Edinburgh) Anne Pitcher (Renfrewshire) Daniel grew up Claire likes to tell Celtic stories, in the seclusion traditional especially of East Lothian's stories, myths Scottish folklore, Lammermuir and legends, fairytales and hills, where the stories based legends tug woods, hills and around nature Anne's heart valleys kindled and the strings in telling. his love of environment as Having worked stories. He began writing animal well as Celtic legends. She pens in the pre-five sector for many stories at a young age and after her own stories entwined with years she also loves the traditional leaving school spent six months in myths and legends and writes her stories which every child knows, East Africa, during which time he own poetry which she uses as a and imbues them with new life. As worked as a school teacher and on contemporary introduction to more a committed Christian she aims to a chimpanzee habituation project in traditional stories. Claire was born bring the Bible alive to any age the forests of West Uganda. He in Wiltshire and as her first group, in an interactive and studied English Literature and childhood memory is staring up at engaging way. Anne enjoys Creative Writing in Brighton and Stonehenge it is no surprise she recreating a sense of place and then spent a year in India and grew up with an interest in time with rich characters and Nepal before settling to live, write Neolithic sites and the myths and interesting plots using a highly and tell stories in East Lothian. legends of the British Isles. Her participative and multi-sensory Daniel draws on his travel and enthusiasm for 'something other approach via songs, rhymes, interest in other cultures in his than television' was greatly fuelled music, sound makers, puppets and storytelling, as well as his study of by her Welsh grandfather who interesting backdrops. Anne's myth and literature. He has a would stand and tell her stories in father was a Congregational the autumn whilst burning his special interest in Buddhist culture minister and a great storyteller, and garden leaves. Through telling to and teaches children about her childhood was spent in Ayr, adults with varying behavioural Buddhism using a blend of stories Edinburgh, Aberdeen and problems and mental health issues and meditation exercises. Cumbernauld – creating a rich she is a keen advocate of using mine of experiences to draw on in storytelling as a therapeutic tool Diana Bertoldi (Aberdeen) storytelling. Working with Hamish which can open up the imagination Diana tells Henderson whilst doing her and place the listener in a more stories both in Honours degree in English was a positive state of mind. English and beginning of a deep and abiding Italian. She is a interest in Scotland's rich heritage Amanda Edmiston () wildlife storyteller Mandy is drawn of stories. and works on to stories which stories for provide glimpses healing with the into our past, There are now over 125 Debailleul method. Her repertoire and the beliefs storytellers working in ranges from the ancient traditional and shared different ways and in and wisdom tales to dark, haunted wisdom of different settings all over stories; from wildlife stories she people from Scotland. creates for children, to cheerful around the world. Originally from jokes. A fine singer, she loves to Aberdeen, she grew up moving Visit the Directory at accompany her storytelling with house every few years, and www.scottishstorytelling ballads and songs. Born and continued this pattern in adulthood, centre.co.uk brought up in the Italian mountains, the end result being a unique where she grew up with stories, insight into the variety of lifestyles Diana followed a calling to and traditions of modern Britain. It Scotland which she feels is her was having her daughter and new home. Being a wildlife realising how important sharing manager helped to develop her healing, herbal and life stories as instinctive love for Nature, and then well as comic and moral tales from she combined her two passions: around the world was, that led wildlife and storytelling. She works Mandy to see that all the pieces of to share with children the wonders her life made a beautiful backdrop and treasures of our environment. for storytelling.

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Storytelling Festival to journey across seas to ancient times Plans for 2011's Festival revealed "Moving, inspiring, enchanting. It 'Festival-on-Tour' events in Glasgow, stimulated my fantasy; it filled my Dumfries and Galloway, Moray, Mull, 2010 perfomers heart with dreams, strength and the Oban, the Highlands, Dundee and magic times of my childhood." Aberdeen. The visitors particularly 2010 audience member appreciated the chance to see Scotland and to engage with local 2010's Scottish International storytellers and communities in the Storytelling Festival, Eastern Routes, city of Edinburgh and beyond. The was a resounding success. With an hospitality of Scottish storytellers and artistically exciting programme, the sharing of skills, approaches and international guests from India, traditions are major features of the China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia festival experience for artists and and some of Scotland's finest audiences, and an important element wordsmiths – plus enthusiastic of the Festival's role in artistic audiences – the 10 days were a exchange and collaboration. of histories, cultures, voices and fantastic celebration to mark the tales. Festival's 21st year. Plans for 2011 are now underway with a theme that embraces the The festival will offer unrivalled The Festival reinforced and history and culture of the opportunities to enjoy the traditions enhanced its role and status as a Mediterranean and the magic of of islands such as Bute, Malta, world leader and a Scottish flagship, Scotland's islands. An Island Sardinia, Crete, Arran, Skye, Lewis, with a total of nearly 18,000 adults Odyssey: Scotland and Old Europe the Orkneys, Mull, Corsica and the and children taking part in public will run from the 22nd to the 30th Uists; to meet the storytellers; to performances at the Scottish October. participate in workshops and Storytelling Centre and partner international networking; and venues, interactive workshops, a Celtic will meet Mediterranean as the myths of Greece and Rome and experience the ancient magic of a schools outreach programme of tale told live. storyteller visits and a vibrant Tell A those of the north mix in a new Story Day campaign. Olympian contest. The contestants Keep in touch with Festival are the wandering bards, storytellers developments by checking Scotland's storytelling community and minstrels who are reappearing www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk extended a warm welcome to the across Europe in a renaissance of Look out for the Festival programme, overseas guest artists through oral traditions – an epic celebration published early September!

Gulliver's Chums Stories, songs and puppet fun for emotional wellbeing Marie Louise Cochrane describes using storytelling For my part I undertook some research which involved for emotional literacy in Edinburgh nurseries. meeting with Clare Murray from Prospectbank School in In January 2010 Ailie Finlay and I received the Edinburgh. Clare is a specialist in using symbols to Nancy and Hamish Turner bursary to support our communicate with children with communication difficulties. work with younger children and parents and carers I then spent two days shadowing a teacher at Oaklands on emotional literacy. School for children with additional needs in County Durham. Ailie and I began working together in 2009 to see if Ailie went to a conference in London run jointly by the we could combine our mutual storytelling skills with Society for Storytelling and the British Association of Drama Ailie's puppetry and my song writing to work Therapists. This included an inspiring workshop by speech effectively in the area of emotional wellbeing with therapist and storyteller Nicola Grove on telling myths and younger children and the adults who relate to them. legends to children who have severe and profound disabilities. We had developed some material and taken part in a project at Stanwell nursery as part of the City of Ailie also met with staff at St Crispin's Special School in Edinburgh Council's Growing Confidence project Edinburgh and did some shadowing there in January and (www.growingconfidence.org). Stories and songs February. We are at the moment developing props that will and puppet friends were created and were received make Gulliver's Chums more multi-sensory and inclusive so well. After this initial project we went on to develop we can use it at St Crispin's and other special schools in a stand-alone story, song and puppet session 2011. called 'Gulliver's Chums'. This covered topics such A special thanks to the Scottish Storytelling Forum and the as naming, expressing and managing feelings. Nancy and Hamish Turner bursary for supporting us to We were keen to be able to offer similar sessions develop this work. The fruits of our endeavours are now on this topic to children with additional support available for schools, nurseries and other groups working needs so we decided to use the bursary to explore with younger children and those who care for them. how we might do this. [email protected]

www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk 3 Blethers

A man you don't meet every day Donald Smith pays tribute to storyteller and historian John Fee

Born 16th December 1930, appeal for 'Stop Your Tickling, died 9th January 2011 in Jock'. Edinburgh aged 80. Yet behind the entertainer was a The death of John Fee deprives deeply serious student of humanity, Scotland of an important urban a person full of sincere religion truly tradition bearer. Nurtured in lived out, a wise and generous Edinburgh's old Town as part of its man, whose goodness seeped thriving Irish-Scottish community, through every pore, attracting Fee was a supreme entertainer respect, love and admiration. immersed in the history of his Weeks from his death after a long community and locale. and hard fought battle against Born in 1930 to parents Paddy and John Fee cancer, John was still working on Catherine, John Fee was one of one of his stories – the tale of Ned eight children. Neat made and a Holt, painter and performer in natural athlete, Fee followed in his wit, demanding the best, yet above Edinburgh's Old Town in the father's footsteps as a champion all compassionate and nineteenth century – an artist of the boxer, winning the Scottish understanding, as if every people whom John did not want Amateur Lightweight Crown in youngster were part of his family forgotten. In the words of the folk 1949. Fee also followed his father network and destined to succeed. song, John Fee was "a man you into the army doing National don't meet every day" and he Service in Hong Kong with the Retiring eventually as Head of leaves a rich legacy of memories Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, History and Modern Studies at along with some fine publications. Ainslie Park Secondary School, in which Paddy Fee had also John Fee is survived by his wife of served. John Fee began a new creative career founded on his passion for fifty-five years, Mona and From the start however John Fee Edinburgh's social history. In a daughters Angela and Lorna. had creative leanings and a series unique blend of teacher and This article was first published in of jobs in the fifties included scene entertainer, which few could have The Scotsman, Wednesday 19th painting for the Kings Theatre and carried, John reached out to every January 2011. singing in the Opera Chorus. While kind of community group. at the Kings, John produced a daily cartoon commenting on As the storytelling revival began at current goings on in the theatre, The Netherbow in Edinburgh's which proved more popular with High Street, John Fee quickly Storytelling Clubs some cast and crew than others. gained recognition as a master of the art, and as someone at Church In 1955 John married forming a connected with an urban tradition Elsie Moir reports on two successful lifelong partnership. Being a father of song, story and ceilidh which stimulated a passion for education models of children's storytelling and had been pushed into the play groups at Granton Parish Church. which was to characterise the rest shadows. He helped bring it back of John Fee's life. As his daughters into the light. The Magic Carpet Club opened in recall "He taught us how to paint, April 2006 in the hall of Granton Parish draw, write, pray, think … and look Regaling packed audiences in The Church. The aim was to provide a safe – on long walks all over Edinburgh, Waverley Bar's Guid Crack Club, environment in which parents and their Pentlands, Hermitage, Cramond, pacing the Netherbow stage, hat pre-school children could participate Dean Village, and on hostelling clamped firmly to his head, or together in play and learning holidays to the West Coast of leading gaggles of children and experiences. The club is staffed by six Scotland". adults on storytelling tours, John senior citizens who are members of the was in his element. Church. The leader is a retired primary Education for Fee was not just school teacher. book learning but exploration, Ever the master of dry observation and participation in all understatement, while pointing up Our one-hour programme starts with a aspects of community life including comic absurdity, Fee's diminutive period of free play in a carefully its stories and songs. Nonetheless figure as he talked became planned and inviting play environment. in 1967 John went to Edinburgh commanding and his flow During this time parents have coffee. University as a full-time mature compulsive. Adults and children then gather on the student, gaining an Honours On one occasion he brought the magic carpet for songs, finger rhymes, Degree in History and going on to house down with a long and conversation about topical themes such as seasons and festivals. This is teach History and Modern Studies. disquisition on the need for a new followed by story time, when puppets As a teacher, Fee was legendary – national anthem for Scotland, meticulous in preparation, dry of concluding with an impassioned

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Art gallery storytelling and music tours In 2010 EAF offered free Storytelling Tours in a pilot project Marion Kenny explains how storytelling can help audiences find new to engage school children who ways of connecting with visual art were not able to attend galleries on school trips due to financial For the past three years I have had Having a period to research the art constraints. Marion engaged the the pleasure and honour to work in planned exhibitions, as well as groups with stories that she with Edinburgh Art Festival creating their artists, is a creative process I weaved around the gallery storytelling and music tours linking absolutely love. exhibitions, expertly interspersed nearby galleries and responding to Storytelling is a simple, powerful, with music and magic tricks. The very contrasting exhibitions. Over a effective, ancient art form that feedback from all schools was very period of months I had the works exceptionally well in public positive, with teachers keen to opportunity to work closely with spaces as it requires no stage, attend the tours again in 2011. curators and educational officers at lighting, or technology and works in A teacher from Leith Primary selected galleries as well as Louise a small space with intimate School said, ‘Marion Kenny was an Donoghue at Edinburgh Art audience, or in a larger theatrical amazingly talented Festival. space to a big crowd. Storytelling storyteller/musician/performer. My The storytelling performances were and art are of course intimately class were mostly all engaged at accompanied by music, intended entwined; my hope is that as the beginning and as time went on to weave intimate psychological words tumble from my tongue, the they were all totally engaged dramas that get under the skin and listener can see the tale as a series saying, it was the best trip they delve into the minds of the of images, every audience member had ever been on. We have done audience, who then responded in a creating their own personal film. some artwork, drama, writing and discussion based around the visit.’ new way to the collections as they Artists since the beginning of time searched for the links with the have drawn inspiration from myths Louise Donoghue, EAF story they had just heard. and legends and personal tales. Returning for a group discussion Rudimentary drawings scratched also allowed the receiver to bring onto the walls of caves are known social status. The Australian his or her own experiences to to have been forms of early aboriginal people painted symbols understand, enrich or deepen the storytelling for many ancient from stories on cave walls as meaning of the visual art. My cultures. Complex forms of means of helping the storyteller intention was to not merely tattooing such as the Maori mocha remember the story; the story was connect a story with one work of represent stories with information then told using a combination of art, but rather to find a tale that about genealogy, affiliation and oral narrative, music, rock art and links an entire collection. dance. During many of the Art Festival tours audiences were able to view the things made give satisfaction to artists at work. Tours moving both the child and the parent, as both between the Talbot Rice Gallery are participants. This means preparing and the Dovecot Gallery ended the craft to a level that allows with people being able to see completion by the child (with a little weavers and tapestry specialists help) and produces an attractive result and soft toys are used to tell a story. creating art, and walking tours from to grace the 'art galleries' that all the It has been interesting to see that even Dogger Fisher Gallery to the Mums seem to have. the very young children learn not to Printmakers Studio finished with grab the props or stand up blocking The Patch Club grew out of the the audience moving into the the view of other children. Very soon, warm friendships formed in the Magic studio to see the process of with the right encouragement, they Carpet Club and offers a Sunday printing and creating a work become attentive listeners. However, morning group for parents and pre- connected to the stories heard. At while they are learning these skills school children. It has the same the tours some humour and patience are elements as the Magic Carpet Club, concluded with audiences required! however, within this framework, there watching international stone is innovative, age-appropriate worship The next activity could be called 'letting sculptors at work on the pieces and the re-telling of Bible Stories. We off steam time'. Each child chooses a used as inspiration for the stories. have been able to include drama musical instrument (the big drum being activities, co-operative games and Scotland is blessed with a wealth the most sought after!) and marches to simple food preparation (it is surprising of inspiring art galleries and with the music. The enthusiasm is great and how many Bible Stories involve eating every work of art and its artist the noise deafening! together!). Of course, we have a ready- having a story to tell, there is a From there, the parents and children made and appreciative audience in the powerful role for storytellers to move to the craft tables. The craft congregation, for any songs, dances, play. usually reflects the story or the (or even cakes) that we choose to See Marion's Festival story tours conversation theme. It is important that share. here: www.youtube.com/watch ?v=1BN4XXo18Wo

www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk 5 Blethers

Scotland's a Blether!

Here's a snapshot of some of the storytelling groups and clubs across the country, and their plans for 2011. Make sure you're on the Centre's mailing list to get monthly updates on storytelling clubs and groups in your area.

1. Highlands and Islands - Claik 4. Perthshire - Silver Branch and Clype Storytelling Circle The Silver Branch Storytelling Group meets Greg Dawson Allen plans to revive this once a month in Highland Perthshire and is a Inverness group for 2011. Contact place where people interested in the oral Greg on 01463 233729 tradition/folktales/life stories can come to listen, or [email protected] share and have a blether. We are a small, intimate group and welcome a few more to sit round the fire and continue this wonderful tradition. We are a semi-nomadic group at the moment, and being small can rove from one fireside to another! Contact Claire Hewitt 2. Tayside and North Fife - Blether www.clairehewitt.co.uk or 01887 820339 or Tay-Gither 07765 166034 Our storytelling group continues to meet on the last Tuesday of the month, 7-9.30pm, throughout the year, as well as organising some special family 5. Fife - Kingdom Krack events and workshops. As we are still seeking a suitable regular home, keep Our numbers have reached eleven to checking our website for venue details. date with two members also co- 1 Contact Sheila Kinninmonth members of Blether Tay-Gither. Our www.blethertaygither.org.uk aim as a group has been to support individuals on their own journeys into the world of storytelling. We meet on a the first Monday of the month, in winter at The Inn on the Park in Dunfermline and our summer venue is the Earthship 3. Borders - Borders Bards and and Yurt at Craigencalt Ecology Centre Music, Verse and Stories Kinghorn. Down here in the Borders, we have There are only two Directory members two sessions going from strength to in Kingdom Krack and amazingly the strength. The first is 'Borders Bards', a rest of the group all use storytelling monthly storytelling session hosted by actively in their work. The majority are the 'Borders Guid Crack Club', teachers but others use storytelling in creating a friendly and informal setting heritage and ecology based situations. 4 encouraging the Bard within us all! In Most members also have young 2011 we are running extra sessions families but in spite of the inevitable themed around animals of the Celtic commitments we try to get to as many year. Last December we successfully storytelling events as possible, the ran 'The Bear of Winter' and in Guid Crack Club, Cafe Voices and of February 'The Wolves of Spring' course various events at the arrived. We meet the second Tuesday, Storytelling Centre. Such events give monthly, 7.30pm at the County Inn, us the chance to be inspired, to learn Peebles – donation £3/2. All are and share and to also tell. welcome, new or experienced! At meetings we focus on stories for 6 'Music, Verse and Stories' is compèred specific occasions, helping members monthly by local poet Howard Purdie, with projects. On one occasion we with a magic formula of traditional arts spent the time working up suitable combined with a comfortable, endings for stories. It's relaxed, fun and welcoming venue. All are welcome to all about story. Contact Andrew Elston come and do a spot and we have a [email protected] monthly Guest Performer, usually a band, well-known singer, visiting poet or storyteller. Following last year's exciting acts, including Maasai 6. Glasgow - Better Crack Club Storytelling across Scotland Warriors, we started 2011 with an alternative Burn's evening and a The club meets at Tchai Ovna Tea surprise storyteller for March. We run House, 42 Otago Lane, 7.30pm on the the first Sunday monthly at 8pm, at the third Friday of the month. Anyone is Traquair Arms Hotel, Innerleithen. welcome to come along for stories, Suggested donation £3, includes a free music, song and much more and each light supper and a raffle. For more info month features a guest storyteller. on either event, contact Daru Contact Frances Logan on 0141 574 McAleece [email protected] 4136

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7. Grampian - Friday Fling STORY-GO-ROUND On the second Friday of the month the Some joined-up story- Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire sharing from four regional storytellers meet together for an evening of stories and fun. We try to storytelling groups ensure that any storyteller who would like to tell a tale gets a chance, but that Our storytelling New Year began on those who want to just listen aren't Saturday January the 8th in spite of the forced to speak! We sometimes have snow – another successful collaboration special guest tellers, but otherwise between four regional branches, Blether there's a theme to help the group think Tay-Gither, Bagatelle, Silver Branch and of something to share. Neither the the hosts this time, Fife's Kingdom Krack. theme, nor being a storyteller, is We aimed to allow participants to hear compulsory, and we love having non- and retell less familiar Scottish stories at storytellers as our guests and a bare bones level within a time members. Older children (over 12) are constraint. People were able to work with also welcome. We meet at Queen's each leader with opportunities to mingle Cross Church in Aberdeen, with some and hear new stories from other Friday Flings in different venues, so it's participants. Lunch was a feast brought always worthwhile checking our by us all and afterwards we had a song website. Contact Anna Fancett from Aileen Carr, played some Scottish 7 www.grampianstorytellers.org.uk circle games and explored adapting Scottish stories for the young with an opportunity to retell and share them. The day ended with two lovely stories from 8. Edinburgh - Edinburgh's Guid Linda Bandelier who had kindly been an Crack club understudy should one of the workshop The club meets on the last Friday of leaders be unable to attend. Andrew each month, 7.30 pm upstairs at the Elston was MC and timekeeper; leaders Waverley bar in St Mary's St. There are were Senga Munro and Sheila some seasonal variations, so do check Kinninmonth who both had stories in with the Storytelling Centre. We Scots, and Claire Hewitt and Judy generally have a guest teller, who may Paterson. Each leader had prepared five be local or from afar, and may be well stories so in all 22 stories were told, established or may be new to the shared and retold! 2 Storytellers Directory. Some comments: Our guest will start and finish the "I particularly enjoyed the chance to tell a evening, leaving time for contributions story several times … The most of stories, songs, poems and music fascinating part of the event for me had from the floor – which leads to a great to do with the astounding variation in the variety of moods and styles in the manner of telling a story between one 5 course of the evening. Our host will person and another." invite you to put your name in the book "...quite a challenge to tell essence of a if you would like to contribute. We are story and do it with integrity AND keep always eager to hear from visitors and the integrity of the story intact – honour those new to storytelling. Contact Andy the tale in few words... great though and Hunter [email protected] VERY good practice...thanks Judy!" 8 "It was great and I learned a lot. The day was well structured and I liked the mix of activities with the games and songs…" 9. Lothian - BagaTelle 9 "The experience of having to tell stories The group is based in Midlothian and on the spot, no time to worry about welcomes storytellers/developing which word to choose was great. This storytellers and those with a healthy allowed the story to come through and curiosity about storytelling. Bring along almost tell itself; at the same time I felt I a story, poem or song or simply bring owned it and I felt more confident about 3 yourself – you won't be disappointed. telling stories!" We have guest speakers, visit other groups, run workshops and mutually My thanks to all participants, to Andrew support each other in the context of and especially to Senga, Claire and storytelling. We currently meet at the Sheila who donated time and talents. Look out for details of a Laird and Dog pub, Lasswade on the Judy Paterson storytelling Network first Monday of the month at 8pm. [email protected] inspiration day in June 2011, Contact Lea Taylor on 07748 62406 somewhere in Scotland! www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk 7 Blethers

A Diamond Jubilee The School of Scottish Studies Archives

Dr Margaret Mackay, Honorary Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, Bruford and MacDonald. The describes the birth of a rich storytelling resource. recent publication of the Perthshire collections of Lady Evelyn Stewart Murray has been another important milestone for all with interests in narrative. Students in the School's undergraduate degree programmes in Scottish Ethnology have long had the pleasure of memorable visits to or by storytellers. Their projects and Duncan Williamson with a class in the garden behind 27 George Square honours dissertations and, importantly, the research and 2011 sees the sixtieth anniversary work of Swedish scholars whose theses of many postgraduate of the founding of the School of methods of classifying and students and scholars have Scottish Studies in 1951, and six analysing oral materials were a furthered our understanding of decades of stewarding archives of model for the work of the School. Scottish tales and tale-telling here and elsewhere in areas such as Scotland's oral traditions for all Solid scholarship, a commitment to with an interest in her people past Appalachia and Nova Scotia/Cape the highest technical standards, Breton. and present and their history, and engagement through fieldwork languages and cultures. with communities throughout The School of Scottish Studies and The catalyst for the creation of a Scotland were hallmarks of the the Department of Celtic and centre whose focus would be the School from the start. And Scottish Studies have valued their collecting, archiving, researching, storytelling was a central focus strong links with the Scottish teaching and publishing of this from the time its first full-time Storytelling Centre since its material was Angus McIntosh, collector, Calum Maclean, began inception and look to developing who was appointed to the work in 1951. He had been trained these further in the years to come. University of Edinburgh as Forbes in the 1940s by Delargy and others Professor of English Language and in Dublin, and was encouraged to General Linguistics in 1948. He collect in Scotland as well as The Alan Bruford Memorial Lecture was a scholar of medieval dialects Ireland. The subsequent is an annual feature of the Scottish whose war-time experience in appointments of Hamish International Storytelling Festival code-breaking at Bletchley Park Henderson, and of tale specialists and both bodies share valued had shown him what collaborative Donald Archie MacDonald, Alan connections with the storytellers research teams using the most up- Bruford, John Shaw and most and storytelling community of to-date technology, such as recently Will Lamb, along with the Scotland. The recent launch of the magnetic tape and the portable work and encouragement of all the online resource Tobar an tape-recorder, could achieve. School staff, have ensured that Dualchais/Kist o Riches makes a Folklore and folklife study could go the riches of Scotland's oral wealth of storytelling from the hand-in-hand with comprehensive narrative traditions, from Shetland School, the BBC and the National surveys of Gaelic and Scots to the Borders and from the Trust for Scotland's Campbell of dialects. Western Isles to Buchan, have Canna collections accessible to all, This project can be said to have been recorded and filmed, studied along with songs, instrumental had friendship and international co- and published. music, customs, beliefs, place- operation at its core, for McIntosh The Scottish Tale Archive, names and much more. gained inspiration from his close meticulously built up over many Enquiries about undergraduate and friends the folklore collectors John years by Mary MacDonald and postgraduate studies are welcome, Lorne Campbell of Canna and his Cathie Scott, is a unique resource. and personal visits to the School's wife Margaret Fay Shaw, pioneers Since 1957 Scottish Studies has sound and photographic archives in the recording by machine and published studies of tales and and research library. camera of the wealth of Scotland's tellers, while transcriptions of tale Please contact Dr Cathlin Macaulay Gaelic heritage both at home and recordings have regularly appeared [email protected] to in Nova Scotia. Through them he in Tocher since its creation in arrange these and for further met Professor James Hamilton 1971. The CD of Scottish information about the events taking Delargy, founder of the Irish Traditional Tales in the Greentrax place throughout 2011 to mark the Folklore Commission, who had Scottish Tradition Series from the first 60 years of this dynamic himself long dreamed of Scotland Archives makes a splendid institution. having a similar institution. He in accompaniment to the anthology www.tobarandualchais.co.uk turn introduced McIntosh to the of the same name edited by www.kistoriches.co.uk

8 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Issue 22 Spring 2011

Electric Tales Storytellers take The Stand

Storyteller James Spence I found the storytellers remarkably reviews Electric Tales at The composed and at ease on stage, Stand, Edinburgh on Tuesday 21 and all must be congratulated for September 2010; part of an on- their poise in grasping this new going collaboration between the nettle. I'm sure they all had their nerves, but it didn't show. Scottish Storytelling Centre and The Stand comedy club exploring Fiona even managed to alter the the relationship between live mike in a composed manner storytelling and stand up. (mikes are a complete mystery to storytellers and most want nothing From a storyteller's point of view to do with them, they're not to be Electric Tales is a wonderful trusted!). All of the storytellers got opportunity to develop storymaking laughs, were engaging, entertaining skills, and to present material in a Many of us storytellers panic at and very assured. different way to an audience with that sort of expectation, but I now The comedians seem to be getting different expectations. For a recognise the advantages. You're a lot out of it also. I'm sure that storyteller to have an exclusively half way there as soon as you've they find freedom in storytelling adult audience is refreshing; there stepped onto the stage. You can without the pressure to constantly is a freedom of subject matter and say something dead-pan and make funnies. in how you may choose to express people will automatically laugh I hope all storytellers involved in the your material. because of the contrast to what Electric Tales events were they were expecting. Any decent Let me tell you how it is for a delighted and inspired by their storyteller will tell differently to budding comedian. If you want to experience as I was. I have different audiences, adapting to give it a bash on stage at the continued with comedy and am audience reactions, altering timing Stand, you apply and go on a six- aware that my comedy has and tone, so it is a great thrill to month waiting list to do five brought greater vibrancy to my have this eagerly responsive minutes at the weekly Red Raw storytelling. I sincerely hope that audience. night. Having done that you will Electric Tales continues, grows and have to go through the same The storymaking is also a thrill. To thrives. The challenge now for the process again in the hope that you take funny incidents from your life, storytellers involved is creating get noticed and get invited to do to weave them with funnier bits you regular opportunities to present 10 minutes the next time. There thought of afterwards, to weave their stand up storytelling. are a thousand people currently truth and lies, to lead your Contact James on going through this process. audience down the garden path, to [email protected] or mess with people's expectations is But storytellers fortunate enough to 0131 661 0726 great fun, just a huge game you have been involved with Electric get to play with your audience all in Electric Tales continues in 2011, Tales are invited to do 15 minutes the name of comedy. To write with regular meet-ups, training of comedy storytelling at a premier something you are sure will work, events and performances. comedy venue (in my case it was then to present it before a live the Arches Theatre at last year's www.electrictales.co.uk audience a couple of days later is a Glasgow Comedy Festival) [email protected] huge buzz. alongside some of Scotland's best comedians. September's line-up Comedy and storytelling are such certainly did include some of the close bed-fellows. Storytellers country's finest, including the honing their skills over the years Did you know the legendary and surreal Bruce are not so far away from Scottish Storytelling Morton. I used to watch him on TV comedians practicing their art, Centre is on facebook in the 1980's. Bruce was joined by which is why the storytellers who and Twitter Sian Bevan and Vladamir McTavish are comfortable projecting to larger (@scotstorycentre)? (Paul Snedden) and the storytellers audiences can make that leap so Come and find us! taking part were Fiona Herbert, successfully. Alasdair Taylor and Donald Nelson. At this event people said that they The night was compèred by didn't know who were the comedian Susan Morrison. comedians and who were the The thing that's different in a storytellers. We've heard this comedy venue is that the audience comment throughout the life of are expecting to laugh. Electric Tales.

www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk 9 Blethers

An International Storytelling Festival in Rome: a cultural miracle! Festival founder Paola Balbi tells the story

In a posh sushi restaurant in the heart of Rome, all dressed up and surrounded by storytellers and journalists, we answered questions for the country's most important newspapers and broadcasters. Every now and then we – young tellers of Raccontamiunastoria – glanced at each other. Without words our eyes were all asking the same question: did we really make it?

Here we are, at the opening evening of the fee or income from tickets of the second International goes toward Raccontamiunastoria's Davide Bardi and Paola Balbi Storytelling Festival common fund to sponsor future Raccontamiunastoria in Rome. activities) we hired a good press The fact that all of us have previous Despite the absolute lack of funding agent, who was one of the keys to drama training is quite important. (I mean it!), and even if our group is the success of our Festival. She Even though some tellers might the only in Italy entirely dedicated to managed to raise the attention of think this is not a bonus, we believe storytelling and we are all young the media and the national TV. it is. We stick with the pure oral artists under 35... we've made it! We hosted the storytellers in our tradition (there are no written words For the second year we managed to own houses and found sponsors for in our performances, nothing learnt organise a Storytelling Festival with catering, printing flyers, hosting a by heart, but very good voice and more than twenty artists from all press conference and dinner. The body language skills). We are in love over the world, and a thousand Appian Park, thanks to its with the tradition, but add a visitors. enlightened Director Alma Rossi, glamorous image. Raccontamiunastoria storytelling hosted the whole event and company was born in 2005, when sponsored technical needs: lighting Many of us speak at least two back from England and a fantastic and sound system, electricity bill, languages very well, and this helps storytelling experience with Credo security service... The park is a to bring our repertoire to wider Storytelling Trust run by Shan beautiful setting; one of the world's attention. We use two 'official' Stephens, I – at the time a young most important archaeological sites, languages during the Festival – actress from Italy's most a place full of Italian history and Italian and English, with an Italian established Drama School – ancient stories and a very significant teller working in tandem with each decided that I had a new dream: to spot to welcome storytellers from all of the foreign tellers. bring storytelling back to Italian over the world. adult audiences. My enthusiasm In a few months we managed to affected colleagues Giulia Troiano realise what the journalists called a Many great artists from all over the and Angela Sajeva and we "cultural miracle". It happened like in world have volunteered to take part embarked on this new adventure: to the old Gospel story...we multiplied, in our Festival and have create a storytelling group in Rome, not bread and fish, but our enthusiastically supported the birth in a place where nobody resources. The news that there was of our project. David Ambrose, remembered the real meaning of now an International Storytelling Michael Harvey and Martin Manasse the word ‘cantastorie’, storyteller... Festival in Rome spread and (UK), Heidi Dahlswleen and Matts We started our first storytelling open second generation or immigrant Rehman (Norway), and Pam Faro floor – now called 'Salotto Italian tellers from all over the world (US) just to mention a few. To them Raccontamiunastoria' and an contacted us. Many of them such goes all of our thanks and gratitude acclaimed monthly event – in a as Mariella Bertelli and Charlie – and more than this the thanks and sitting room with 15 friends. The Chiarelli (Canada), Giovanna gratitude of the Italian audience. A seed has grown, people have come Cavasola (Mexico), Antonietta special thanks goes to FEST (Federation for European and gone and now I'm running Pizzorno and Frida Morrone Storytelling), as it was at the first Raccontamiunastoria together with (France), and Diana Bertoldi meeting that I realised Italy was the colleague Davide Bardi, who is also (Scotland), took part in the Festival. only country without a Festival. my 'artistic partner' (as we love to After this great interest we decided tell in tandem!). to create FIST (Federation for Italian It's a long story to tell in a few Raccontamiunastoria is now a Storytelling), in order to have a lines...but this is only the start. After group of passionate young network of Italian storytellers across the enormous effort we've professionals who decided to the world. undertaken we really hope to "live devote their skills and passion to happily ever after" and to spread Our vision is to promote the work of storytelling. Most of all we are a storytelling in Italy and Italian stories not one single teller, but of a whole group of people who learnt how to abroad "for ever and ever"! group of highly motivated, make things happen, against all passionate and skilled performers, The third International Storytelling odds. the majority of whom are young – Festival takes place in Rome on With money raised through our another reason we have attracted 30th September and 1st and 2nd annual activities (for every the attention of the media, and October 2011. storytelling job we do, a percentage hopefully sponsors. [email protected]

10 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Issue 22 Spring 2011

The soul is healed by being with children (Fyodor Dostoevsky) Frances Logan reports back on her trip to Perm, Russia in 2010

It was the first story of the day The idea of live performances in a and I was rather concerned. bookshop was a 'novel' concept Would it work in another culture? for those involved. Even though it Would it work using a translator? was a damp and chilly night, there Would it work? In the end, there was standing room only. We was no need to worry. The shared a variety of stories and response from the children was socialised with audience members, overwhelming and as they including teachers and tutors from laughed, jumped out their seats the schools and universities we to get my attention and giggled had visited earlier in our travels. We with delight, it was easy to see can safely say Perm has been that – yes! – it had worked. bitten by the storytelling bug. We were in School 139, a school Although it now seems a distant for blind and partially sighted dream, it will always remain a children in the centre of Perm, a dream that was realised and bustling city on the edge of Siberia, enjoyed. I will never forget my first Russia. I never imagined that I glimpse of Red Square in the would ever visit Russia, let alone Frances telling at centre of Moscow and seeing the Perm State Technical University be surrounded by the laughter and magnificence of the brightly excitement of a hall full of Russian decorated Onion Domes of St primary school children and be Basil's Cathedral through the caught up in their enthusiasm as We had several days working in Resurrection Gate. Who could they listened to my tale. the University where we spent time have imagined that I would have collaborating with students and been given a guided tour of Thanks to a grant from Creative staff, all of whom were keen to Diaghilev's House by the museum Scotland I was there as a member practice their English and learn curator and Dean Tatyana of a small delegation representing more about Scottish culture and Germanovna Loginova, head of the SLATE (Scottish Language Action traditions. Of course, plenty of time faculty of foreign languages at Towards Education) Charity. We was given to storytelling and the Perm State Pedagogical University, were there participating in the students showed great enthusiasm or attended a performance of International Festival of for what we had to share. We also Swan Lake in Perm Opera House? Motherhood, (iFOM) organised by managed to visit Perm State Glasgow's Better Crack Clubs, Technical University where we This is a trip I will never forget; not Michael Kerins and me. iFOM spent the morning with a wonderful only for the wonderful sights and celebrates Motherhood in all forms storytelling concert. experiences I shared, but also for and coincides with the 100th the wonderful people I shared it anniversary of the birth of Michael's Our journeys saw us attend two with. Special mention should go to mother. Some of these forms are local schools in Perm and the the Kazakov family (in Perm) who obvious, like the natural state of Teacher Training College in gave us their home as our own, being a mother, others are more Kungur. Some time was dedicated and to the Korobeynikovs (in abstract such as mother-nature, to the practice of English and Moscow) for their organisation and mother of invention, mothers in questions from the teachers, hospitality. None of this would have storytelling and more abstractly assisting them in their knowledge been possible without the support men as mothers, giving birth to art and understanding of the English of Creative Scotland and SLATE – music – story. As well as taking language and Scottish culture. We Charity, both of whom have my part in the festival, we were also were delighted to be entertained by thanks and gratitude for enabling continuing the good works of the some of the pupils in School 77 me to share such a rich and SLATE Charity and introducing who regaled us with songs from wonderful experience which will audiences to the joys of the works of Rabbie Burns and remain with me for years to come. storytelling. some fine Scottish Dancing. [email protected] Later in our trip we attended the One of the most unexpected joys www.slatecharity.com Perm State Pedagogical University of the whole tour was the for the presentation of the storytelling performance in the Kerinsnaumov International Pietrovski Bookshop in Translation Prize and to perform Lunacharskogo, in the middle of and share stories. Perm.

www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk 11 Blethers Issue 22 Spring 2011

BOOK BLETHERS

ASGAARD Donald Smith's pick of story-related publications for early 2011 Jerker Fahlstrom (Distribution: Jerker Fahlstrom) There is a singing theme to the During his months of illness John +46 (0)70 607 47 39 books this time. Ewan McVicar's Fee penned a collection of his Available from Scottish Storytelling The Eskimo Republic: Scots inimitable local history stories which Centre shop Political Song in Action his family have produced in a £10.00 1951-1999 packs in a lifetime of limited edition. Demand outruns knowledge and insight. It also supply at present but we hope this comes with a CD so you can hear may become available in a wider BORNE ON THE CARRYING as well as read – and sing along! edition. The stories are fabulous STREAM and some of John's own The Legacy of Hamish Henderson Meantime in Ireland the wonderful illustrations are included. Ed. Eberhard Bort Len Graham has produced an (Grace Note Publications) outstanding study of one great Last but not least Alastair McIver ISBN 978-1-907676-01-7 £12.99 tradition bearer – Joe Holmes: has produced a contemporary Here I Am Amongst You. It is a storytelling novel Glasgow labour of love, beautifully Fairytale which has been THE ESKIMO REPUBLIC produced, and puts Joe's Ulster entertaining SSC staff – so here is Scots Political Song in Action songs and music within the context an insider view from Jo Richards at 1951-1999 Ewan McVicar of long Irish and Scottish traditions. SSC reception: (Gallus Publishing) Len's notes are a storytelling "What would happen if Jack's ISBN 978-0-9565990-4-9 £13.99 session in print! magic beans were thrown into the On briefer notice Ewan McVicar River Clyde by the Squinty Bridge? A GLASGOW FAIRYTALE (does he ever sleep?) has What if one of the three little pigs Alastair D McIver transposed Arabian Nights to had built his house on an (Black and White Publishing) Ross-shire in One Black Isle Night. Easterhouse estate? ISBN 978-1845023300 £9.99 Everyone will get a good story to Could Rapunzel have been an tell from this one. asylum seeker incarcerated in Jerker Fahlström's new CD Dungavel detention centre? JOE HOLMES Here I Am Amongst You Asgaard re-tells the great Norse Alastair McIver provides the Len Graham myths in Swedish and English. answers as he takes you on a (Four Courts Press) Mighty tellings, and available from whirlwind adventure through the ISBN 978-1-84682-251-3 hbk £ ?? the SSC shop. And Charles streets of Glasgow, casting a fresh ISBN 978-1-84682-252-0 pbk £22.50 Coventry has kindly gifted his Tale eye on some familiar fairytale of Divarov the Absent-Minded to characters. Little Red Riding Hood the SSC Library. This booklet has will never look quite the same ONE BLACK ISLE NIGHT some very interesting essays about again". Stories from 1001 Arabian Nights gay experience within traditional Retold as Stories of Ross-shire culture. Ewan McVicar (Gallus Publishing) Borne on the Carrying Stream: ISBN 978-0-9565990-3-2 £9.99 The Legacy of Hamish Henderson is a beezer of a book edited by Eberhard (Paddy) Bort. It covers every aspect of the Hamish Henderson-inspired renaissance of traditional arts, and a lot else besides. Lots of the contributors are well known on the storytelling scene and it's a must read. Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street Visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre Edinburgh EH1 1SR T: 0131 556 9579 E: [email protected] Online Shop www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk @ www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

12 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk