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Y Goeden Chwedleuwr / The Storyteller Tree |
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| In 2010, the Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd project run by the Tywi Centre included a series of workshops aimed at getting local people engaged with the culture of the Tywi Valley. Some of these workshops were led by Michael Harvey. A few of us wanted to keep up the good work combining the storytelling with our training and experience in theatre (including the building of a wearable Giant puppet). | So we looked for stories that we like, stories that different audiences like and opportunities to try them on any suspecting or otherwise victims. And tried and tried again until they did like them ... Many a pleasant time has been spent in the company of Grimms' and the Mabinogi. Rebecca has reared her petticoats and a few Celtic stories have slipped in. As well as a smattering of Norse and Finnish. |
| Last year we successfully applied for some funding which as well as giving us lots
of logos to adorn our webpage, has equipped us with all the very, very useful bits and pieces you find you need
for all various kinds of events you end up doing. From helping to catch uninterested passing trade to entertaining
captive audiences on the sides of mountains. I think we're now ready for any challenge no matter how much or little
time the event's organisers have been able to spare on our (small) contribution and no matter what fate brings (oops). It's just a matter of learning the tricks of using these things well ... |
The next story will start in ... 3 minutes Take your seats!!! |
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| Do we tell real stories? Yes, definitely, they are all real stories. Although, if I am honest,
not all the things in them have happened yet, or if they have happened then they happened at different times to
different people. It is very difficult to tell a story that is completely made up, bits of truth keep creeping in like
cats finding somewhere warm to cwtsh. So we tell stories about donkeys and dragons, poor men and princesses, ghosts and goblins although not all at the same time. There is magic and mayhem with traditional tales from different countries, and many home grown in Wales, |
which has an excellent climate for growing stories. Some of the legends are very old, as you can tell from all the craggy, wrinkly bits they have, but they still keep much of their ancient power and wisdom. Who are the stories for? Some of the darker, more challenging tales are more suitable for adults , while stories with lots of action and jumping about go down well with younger audiences. We have a huge tent to perform in, which is filled with lovely cushions and rugs on which the storylisteners can relax. |
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What does the Storyteller Tree do? Stories with lots of wit from colourful characters from all over the world, or deep dark scary tales that will make you jump! Sad tales and earthy tales, but mainly a tale for everyone told in a way to suit the audience but always helped by quite a few coins and a good bar in the vicinity. 
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