The students
in my Irish Storytelling Tradition class, shown above with their pipe-cleaner
Brigid’s crosses, told their second stories last Wednesday, June 19th. They all did very good jobs of both selecting
stories that fit their personalities and then telling them naturally and in
their own voices. Here are some excerpts from their reviews:
Bayliann Livengood: “Today I told a very short story called “Seán na Scuab”, which I read in Folktales of Ireland, a series of stories collected by Sean O’Sullivan.” Bayli also wrote: “The more I learn about the Irish Storytelling Tradition, the more I like it, and while I’m not sure I will ever be able to devote my life to it like some people do, I enjoy being a part of something that is unusual in today’s world, and seeing that there are still people who know how to see the world and the people in it without looking through a glass screen makes me proud.”
Zach McKenzie: “For my story I told The Shadow of the Glen by John Millington Synge. I chose this story because it starts out creepy and there is a twist at the end when the guy gets up to catch his wife. I liked that when the traveler is more concerned about shelter than a dead guy on a table. I also liked the story because it shows some humor with the dead guy tricking his wife.”
Diana Lucente: “The story I told was "The Blood Drawing Ghost" from Mairtin O'Griofa's collection, Famous Irish Ghost Stories”. Diana reflected, “I think I got a sense of what it could be like to be a storyteller- to feel that comfortable and just get into the telling so that it's an enjoyable experience for all involved.”
Ernestina Montoya: “The story I told was ‘The Man with no Story’ from Henry Glassie’s Folktales of Ireland. I liked the story because I kind of feel that I don't really have a story to tell either even though so much happens to me.”
Haley Maffia: “My story was “The Strange Gardener” from the book More Irish Fairy Tales by Sinead de Valera. I really enjoyed my experience and I can’t wait to tell these stories to my students. I picked most of my stories to entertain my students and if it entertains adults, it should work with my students as well.”
Jamie Brewer told “The Four Brothers” from Whisht: Irish Traveler Folktales and Songs (http://www.paveepoint.ie/pdf/WhishtBooklet.pdf ). About her interest in Travelers, Jamie wrote: “My interest in the Travelers is mostly a romantic one, and mostly by way of the Roma. I did a bunch of research on the Roma a while ago for an art project. I think the general idea of a nomadic lifestyle is enviable, the folk art intriguing and the fact they're persecuted regrettable.”
Keely Parrish: “Today I told the story of “Fair, Brown, and Trembling” that I found in Myths and Folktales of Ireland collected by Jeremiah Curtin. The more I learn about how traditional storytelling is dying off the happier I am that I get the chance to learn about it. I am not sure if I will go on to be a professional storyteller but I hope to carry on the spirit of the tradition to my family back home and my children if I ever have them.”
Wendy Townsend: The version of the story (“Finn and the Doe”) that I told this time came from a book called The High Deeds of Fin MacCool by Rosemary Sutcliff. I liked this story because it was romantic and had elements of magic in it. All my favorite stories include those aspects. Of course the Irish stories I choose to tell would have them too. I hope to go home and regale my friends and family with both “Maureen Rua” and “Finn and the Doe”.”
Steve DesMarais: “The story was "The Cold May Night" I found it in Sean O'Sullivan's book, Folktales of Ireland. Even in the short amount of time I have spent here I can see the uniqueness of the Irish Storytelling Tradition, and how important it is not just for Ireland, but for the whole of the world. It's something that will keep true fantasy alive, and should be guarded more than gold.”
In the picture, front row left to right are Haley Maffia, Ernestina Montoya, and Wendy Townsend. The back row has Diana Lucente, Jamie Brewer, Bayliann Livengood, Keely Parrish, Zack McKenzie, and Steve DesMarais.