One time, in old times, there was a man and a woman got married, but they never had any children.
That’s the beginning of one of my favourite stories, a story I could listen to over and over again and never tire of. Just those first words – One time, in old times – and I am gone to wherever those stories come from. I am, you see, an ardent listener; tell me a story and I’m yours, at least ‘til the story ends. So I was delighted when the SJFAC agreed to hold a small, three-day festival of storytelling. Storytelling has been included as a part of many SJFAC events in the past, especially the annual festival in Bannerman Park, but it is usually overshadowed by music. It seemed time to give this traditional art its own space and to celebrate it more fully; with the help of the Canada Council and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, we were able to do just that November past.
The SJFAC’s first storytelling festival was held three successive evenings – Thursday, November 4th at the Masonic Temple, and Friday the 5th and Saturday the 6th at the Anna Templeton Centre. There was also a Saturday afternoon performance for younger listeners at Granny Bates Children’s Books, and a day-long storytelling workshop at the Lantern, organized by local storyteller Dale Jarvis through the Heritage Foundation.
The festival featured performances by local and visiting storytellers, each with a unique and wonderful approach to the art. We were pleased to include two performers from the mainland on the programme. Renowned Trinidadian-Canadian storyteller Rita Cox came from Toronto to take part. Cox is one of the country’s most celebrated performers, and has received the Order of Canada for her storytelling and literacy work. After having worked for years as a librarian, Cox now sits on the Canadian Citizenship Court. It had been a long time since Cox had been to Newfoundland to tell stories, so she was pleased to be able to return. Audiences, both young and old, were charmed by her stories. We were very lucky to include Karen Gummo, a storyteller from Alberta whose stories come from her childhood on the prairies and her Icelandic heritage. Gummo was visiting Newfoundland as part of Canadian Children’s Book Week, and performing at libraries and schools across the island; it was a great bit of synchronicity that she could join in the festival.
Our first evening, devoted to stories from Placentia Bay, featured Alice Lannon (who came in from Placentia), Agnes Walsh and Anita Best – it was a wonderful mix of wondertales, personal stories, and songs. Add in a recitation by host Ford Elms, and a fine time was had by all. The second night featured Elinor Benjamin (of Corner Brook), Mary Fearon, Karen Gummo and Andy Jones, with host Dale Jarvis. The stories that evening spanned the globe, as did those on the final night of the festival – which featured Dale Jarvis, Louise Moyes, and Rita Cox, and was hosted by Jean Hewson.
The response to the festival was great – both from tellers and listeners. Performers were happy to meet other tellers, and to see the SJFAC giving more attention to storytelling. Audiences were warm and appreciative. The evenings at the Anna Templeton Centre were packed; it would have been difficult to fit any more people in the room! Mike Gillan and Erin McArthur provided some wonderful snacks every night. We all left with ears and bellies full and happy.
Mark your 2005 calendar now. This fall, if funding comes through, we’ll be hosting the SFJAC’s 2nd Annual Storytelling Festival November 4th, 5th, and 6th -- Friday through Sunday at the Masonic Temple.
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