The bankruptcy of the International Storytelling Center is a sad affair and a concern to all citizens of Jonesborough, who recognize the great cultural and economic contributions that the Center and its programming bring to the town. For storytellers and storytelling proponents around the country and the world, however, it is a tragedy in the ancient sense, a drama in which the protagonists have pushed to an avoidable yet seemingly inevitable crisis. As a citizen of Jonesborough, a chronicler of the history of the storytelling movement, a past board member of the National Storytelling Network (NSN), and longtime supporter of both ISC and the National Festival, I would like to recount a version of this story which may help to fill some gaps in the narrative framed so far for the local press and public. In storytelling, point of view is all-important, and the tale is heard quite differently beyond the watershed of Little Limestone Creek.
For the first twenty years of its existence, the Storytelling Festival was produced by a hard-working partnership of storytellers from around the country who made up the Board of the National Association for the Preservation and Perpetuation of Storytelling (NAPPS), then the name of the Read more »
Eric Wolf, known in the storytelling community as Brother Wolf, will lead a Summer Storytelling Intensive and Workshops June 3–7, 2011 in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Designed for storytellers at all levels of ability, each day will offer workshops that focus on attitude, skills, or business aspects of storytelling. Participants can choose to attend for part or all of a day, several days, or the entire five days. Read more »
I have been trying for several months to find somebody – anybody – who is willing to articulate the International Storytelling Center’s position on the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Court filing and the breaking of the contract with the National Storytelling Network. I have failed to find anyone who is willing to write an editorial on the ISC perspective. I have decided to present the two court filings from the ISC and NSN on the matter. Heavily edited to leave out the sections that deal with the more legal technical arguments and just include the core values expressed.
I could easily find someone to write a editorial defending NSN – but it seemed one sided – so I am posting both perspectives in the organizations own words.
The Following is the ISC filing with the arguments for the voiding of the agreements that they had with NSN. I have removed about 40% of the filing that dealt with legal statements supporting the legality of voiding the agreements. I have left what is I consider the core moral arguments.
All the best
Eric Wolf
Read on Read more »
I have been trying for several months to find somebody – anybody - who is willing to articulate the International Storytelling Centers position on the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Court filing and the breaking of the contract with the National Storytelling Network. I have failed to find anyone who is willing to write an editorial on the ISC perspective. I have decided to present the two court filings from the ISC and NSN on the matter. Heavily edited to leave out the sections that deal with the more legal technical arguments and just include the core values expressed.
I could easily find someone to write a editorial defending NSN - but it seemed one sided – so I am posting both perspectives in the organizations own words.
The Following is the NSN’s objection to the ISC request for termination of contract with the 50% that deals with the legality of ending this form of contract removed. It is importnat to note that NSN board has withdrawn this objection from the court after being told that they would have to fight it up the appeals court process. Probably win after two years and a half a million dollars – most likely destroying both organizations and ending the National Festival as we know it.
All the best
Eric Wolf
Read on Read more »
(This review contains plot spoilers)
Sometimes a children’s picture book comes along that is destined to greatness, a children’s book that will redefine children’s books for the next generation, a book that every child should own – required reading in every college class on writing for children. This is not that book.
This is the sort book you really want to have on hand for those children who have heard all the stories. You know that type. They sit in there smug little beds demanding that you share with them a new story every night. While a professional storyteller may consider such a dare a challenge; I can see how it might be intimidating for the average parent to come up with new fractured fairytales night after night.
“Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs” by Willy Claflin is your answer to the child who has heard all the stories. The illustrations by James Stimson are amazing, swift and modern. This children’s picture book lands directly in the land of fractured fairytales. A land populated by many ugly and beautiful relatives of Read more »
 |
Written by Richard Martin
In 2004 I wrote an account for the UK storytelling magazine Facts & Fiction of how as an Englishman based in Germany I had become a teller of traditional folk tales to adult audiences. The article provided the occasion to look back on what had happened and what I had learnt. As befits a wonder tale, much was by coincidence and good fortune. However, I quickly learnt the need for organisation, and perhaps more slowly learnt the need to learn the art. Now Eric Wolf’s invitation serves as a chance to update that review, especially regarding any learning. Read more » |
 |
Available from Yvonne Healy, 5193 King Road, Howell, MI 48843, Phone: 810-813-3000.
Email: Stories@YHealy.com
Order online from www.yhealy.com/products.html
$14.00 (includes shipping & handling) |
Reviewed By Linda Goodman
A citizen of two cultures, Irish and American, Yvonne Healy spoke both the Irish and English languages until she started elementary school. After that, Irish was her parents’ secret language, used to discuss things forbidden to children’s ears. From this world of diversity, cultural respect, and unspoken secrets was born one of America’s most endearing storytellers.
A little bit Ireland and a little bit USA, Healy’s stories have Read more »
Extra Articles, Festival Storytelling, International Storytelling | Brother Wolf | 
May 8, 2011 11:16 am | 
Comments (4) 
