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 It is importnat to note that NSN board has withdrawn this objection from the court after being told that they would have to fight it up the appeals court process.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.
Press Play to hear Storyteller Tim Ereneta talks about how he brought Storytelling to the Fringe on the Art of Storytelling with Brother Wolf.
Tim Erenta writes… Here’s the best thing about a storytelling performance in a Fringe Festival: I don’t have to wait to be discovered. I don’t have to worry about offending my host with my material. The stories that I want to tell, whether they are sacred or profane, personal or traditional: it’s all up to me. I get to decide what I want to put onstage. Such artistic freedom is exhilarating.
Here’s the worst thing about storytelling performance in a Fringe Festival: the audience gets to decide what show they want to see. The stories that I want to tell: there is no guarantee that audiences will want to hear them.
The International Storytelling Center has asked a bankruptcy judge for permission to alter or annal nullify their contract with the National Storytelling Network.
This is a very personal moment for me – I am invested in the success of both these organizations. I am an active member of NSN and I believe that the ISC is essential for the success of the American storytelling revival. So who do I side with? I side with both organizations – being that I love them both – I am a child of two parents – long divorced – who are quarreling over money while the riches of the worlds drift through their fingers.
I know that many of you are mad at the ISC – I ask you to practice the better part of your nature and forgive… buy your tickets NOW to next years festival – I did – help this Jewel in the Crown of American Storytelling continue… I also ask the board members of NSN to defend NSN’s right to control the National Storytelling Festival and to negotiate with ISC as co-owners of the brand, name and event for the good of both organizations. Clearly no one wants to see ISC go down or NSN stripped of needed funding from the festival that represents members investment in the long term heath of the national storytelling festival.
Press Play to hear Michael Reno Harrell speak about American Folk Music and it’s effect on American Storytelling Community on the Art of Storytelling with Brother Wolf.
Michael Reno Harrell Writes… People like to be talked to. Well, if you have something interesting to say, they do. It’s in our genes. All of mankind’s knowledge was passed on through storytelling until very recently as things go. And it’s a good bet that music started out as a part of that storytelling at about the same time. The two are as closely intertwined as fishing and talking about fishing. Read more »
Press Play to hear Brother Wolf speak with David Ambrose on the foundation and running of the International Storytelling Festival of Wales.
Picture a fairytale castle perched on a cliff-top on the romantic Welsh coast; at the foot of the castle, a medieval jousting field, fringed by woodland, the tower of an ancient Saxon church rising above the trees. Terraced gardens slope gently down from the castle to the sea. In every garden, there is a tent. And in every tent, a storyteller….
This is St Donats Castle, the setting for Beyond The Border Wales International Storytelling Festival, which I set up with the help and encouragement of leading UK storyteller Ben Haggarty in 1993. Ever since then, BTB has been dedicated to exploring and celebrating the world’s rich heritage of oral tradition, bringing to Wales an unparalleled selection of storytellers, Read more »
Press Play to hear Brother Wolf takes questions from his audience on the Art of Storytelling Show on being a professional storyteller. This is 3 of 3 shows commemorating the 100th Anniversary episode of the Art of Storytelling with Brother Wolf Show. This Episode is podcast in 128 bit rate – this higher bit rate costs more to cast online – if you enjoyed listening to the higher quality show – perhaps you would consider purchasing your next download through the website….
This picture is called a Wordie – it is picture of the words people used when they wrote their thoughts on the 2010 National Storytelling Network Oracle Award.. Read more »
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Extra Articles, Festival Storytelling, Storytelling in Community | Brother Wolf | 
April 29, 2011 9:24 am | 
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