So, what exactly do we mean by Storytelling?

In the tale, in the telling, we are all one blood. – William Shakespeare.

We hear stories and read about storytelling every day, in the news, in popular culture, in the everyday interactions we have with other people. In the creative world, many people describe themselves as storytellers: writers, film-makers, artists, playwrights….and for most people today, the concept of a story told verbally, is imagined to be bound in the pages of a book, and something we stop experiencing once we leave our childhood behind.

But the art of traditional oral storytelling, the mainstay of human learning for as long as we have been humans, is still very much a current practice.

This form of storytelling is deeply rooted in cultural traditions around the world. It serves various purposes, including preserving cultural heritage, teaching moral lessons, entertaining, and fostering a sense of community.

Revival

Happily, with the revival of oral storytelling as a folk art over the last 50 years, there are still stories to be heard: in pubs and clubs, fairs and festivals.

South Devon storytellers began on a sofa in a dimly lit pub some time in 2014. Three intrepid story-lovers, wanting an outlet for regular storytelling prep and practice.

Since those humble beginnings we have built a club with monthly meetings, promoted shows from Britain’s finest story tellers, and generated a week-long festival programme for the Totnes Festival in 2022. We made it through the pandemic with zoom sessions that attracted listeners from Canada, South Africa, Denmark and Spain. We are now a team of six, and preside over a vibrant monthly club: a testing ground for those taking their first steps, for experienced tellers trying out new material, and a great night out for story-listeners who just love a good tale. We also offer occasional workshops and training courses, and we’re very open to story-talks, story-walks, and meeting story-tellers from across the globe.

Bogan House

Come and find us on the Second Tuesday evening of the month at Bogan House, or look out for our periodic workshops and promoted performances.

We can be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/466069476844873
Instagram @southdevonstorytellers
Or via our website www.sdstorytellers.co.uk.

Armenian Tales

South Devon Storytellers’ next event, on Thursday May 9th is arranged in tandem with St Mary’s church, with Fire: A State of Matter’. A spirited evening of storytelling with British Armenian storyteller Vergine Gulbenkian –
Blazing with traditional Armenian tales.
Fanned by the wings of a fiery bird woman.
Kindled by a 16th century love-epic.
Fuelled by family stories amidst the fierce flames of the Great Fire of Smyrna.

On Friday morning Vergine will be running a workshop on “finding the heart of fire in a story”. An opportunity to explore a story that is asking to be told, to shake it up, and rekindle the fire that lies within. Open to all who would like the space to work on a story with the help of an experienced guide and companions.

Tickets available below:

https://ttm.churchsuite.com/events/ccuvu0mj

https://buytickets.at/soputhdevonstorytellers/1211202