Storytelling Newsletters from The Story Tree Company

This is my free story for October. Download and enjoy.

International story happenings

STOP PRESS

It just got confirmed now, that I have been invited to go to Papua New Guinea around 20 October for a week to tell stories at the Ela Murray International School in Boroko, Port Moresby. It’s all a bit exciting (and scary -as I am a big chicken!) but am hoping they will also book me to work alongside another great storyteller I want to hang out with…No don’t tell me your scary PNG stories!

My storytelling colleague Anne E Stewart is touring Scotland at the moment and you can read her blog at:

http://anneestewartsscottishsojurn.blogspot.com/

When I was in the Lakes District in England in 1998, I happened to attend an inspiring afternoon of storytelling in a pub, led by well-known storyteller Taffy Thomas. As storyteller-in-residence there, he had created a wonderful culture of storytelling in his community. Taffy has now been appointed storyteller Laureate of England and you can read more about that at

http://magazines.scholastic.co.uk/content/8745

(Taffy was once a theatrical, acrobatic street performer in a troupe called ‘The Salami Brothers’. But he had a stroke at a young age and reinvented himself as a storyteller. His son went on to lead a lively folk music group called ‘The Chipolata’s’ (baby Salami’s), that also did street theatre and some storytelling. )

You can follow links to his articles at http://magazines.scholastic.co.uk/content/817

In Hawaii, I met the wonderful storyteller Eric Wolf. He has the most fantastic podcasts of storytelling interviews which are on my web resources page but to get you started here is his blurb:

Take a listen to the Art of Storytelling Podcast and Blog.
A national conversation from all perspectives on the profession of storytelling. We serve people who use or admire stories with children including presenters, listeners, festival organizers, administrators, educators, parents, and storytellers.
Sign up for an invitation to listen live as an audience member today. http://www.storytellingwithchildren.com/

Now two Free E-courses...
The Zen of Storytelling in Seven Easy Steps
Podcasting your Passion for Artists and Art Centered Organizations

Jenni’s story news

Last month I worked at the ‘Spark Performing Arts Festival’ for disabled people in Stanwell Tops. It was hard work and loads of fun. I want to do lots more of that sort of work!

Sean Choolburra was there (lovely and VERY funny) and four other lovely teachers of circus, drum, clown and mask making. Six enthusiastic participants acted out my new environmental pantomime called ‘Rustle the plastic bag and Shelley the Sea Turtle’ to a huge hooting audience.

This afternoon I am off to the Grafton Arts Fest for a week to work with Lara McLaren of Krinkl puppet theatre, Pamela Denise (artist) and 18 children (6-12 years) to develop a performance of the story of the weaving maiden and the heavenly bridge of birds from Japan. (Sa Sa No Ha is the song of the story which is on Wonder Tales/ Molly Whuppie CD). Attached is my version of this tale though you can find lots of other versions via Google or web links on my weblinks page.

Steiner feedback:

Last month I forgot to include the feedback from the Linuel Steiner School in East Maitland which I visited in July.

“Jenni Cargill-Strong's story telling performance was a lively and entertaining experience which was appropriate for children of all ages.  Jenni's stories captivated the imagination of my students and I would recommend her performance to any teacher who is seeking an enriching experience for their students.”
Lauren Colvin, Class 1 teacher

“My class were enchanted by Jenni's creative storytelling. Her presentation also provided me with useful ideas for future storytelling activities. I found Jenni's workshop for teachers and parents provided useful gems of inspiration!”
Joan Clarke, Class 2 teacher

‘Byron Tales’ my in depth report at Byron Bay Writers Festival website blog http://byronbaywritersfestival.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/byron-tales-the-ground-we-stand-on/?

Story Diary

A.C.E Workshop Dates for Story Tree courses Term 4, 2009

Making up stories with soul 4/11-2/12 @ Mullum, Mill Street, 6-9pm http://www.acebyron.org.au/index.php?show_section_id=5&action=page&page_id=32

Myth Metaphor and Chewing the Intellectual Fat

5/11-26/11 @ Mullum, Mill Street, 10-12.30pm http://www.acebyron.org.au/index.php?action=course&course_action=detail&code=094S05

Walking with Goddesses 3/12-10/12 @ Mullum, Mill Street 10-4pm http://www.acebyron.org.au/index.php?action=course&course_action=detail&code=094S07

For enrolments and more details go to http://www.acebyron.org.au

6-11 October, Grafton Arts Festival, The Grand Tale: The Seven Sisters

10-16 October Environment Week

18 October, Sunday- 10.00-10.30 am & 11.00 -11.30 am

Jenni storytelling at Tweed Art Gallery for new exhibit “The Enchanted Forest: new gothic storytellers”, Murwillumbah.

20-27 October Jenni in PNG!

Salty Pete the Pirate and Jenni telling in parks on Gold Coast in early November- stay tuned!