Have you ever heard the music trapped in a coat hanger? If you had been at Clare Murphy’s storytelling performance of UniVerse at Quay Arts recently, you would have heard it. It was just one of the delightful engaging moments when science and myth interplayed amongst stories of deities, atoms, Big Bang and turtles. Clare’s stories communicated well how truth can hang on the coattails of stories in this entrancing hour-long performance of tales. UniVerse was the penultimate event organised by Somewhen Storytelling, with financial support from a grant from Arts Council England. It was an appetite teaser for the scientists in the audience, some of whom attended a special workshop the following day to develop communication skills for science educators. Participants included PhD students, NHS workers, Dinosaur Isle employees as well as others involved with environmental and outdoor education. One of the event organisers, Sue Bailey, said:
“Over the past nine months, Somewhen Storytelling has been promoting storytelling as living oral culture on the Isle of Wight. We have had local Somewhen Storytellers entertaining children and adults at Chale Show, at Ventnor Fringe, and in Ventnor’s Day of Christmas. We have brought some fantastic nationally renowned storytellers such as Sarah Liisa Wilkinson, Nell Phoenix and Xanthe Gresham over, all of whom have told great tales that spread the word that storytelling is for grown ups too. “We have had such a lot of fun over the months and combined with workshops, and informal storyrounds, Somewhen Storytelling has done much to grow an audience base.”
The National Lottery funded, Arts Council grant, was applied for by the Island Storytellers who meet monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of the month to informally share stories. Alternate months are in Town Choice café in Newport and Yelf’s in Ryde with April’s story round being on Wed 10th April at Town Choice café, Newport from 11:00 – 13:00. Everyone is welcome, whether you want to tell a tale or just sit back and listen. Sue continued:
“This grant has given oral storytelling such a boost on the Island, and whilst this funding may be coming to an end, it feels like the beginning of lots more opportunities for adults and children to either listen to, or tell stories.”
