I was so Thrilled to be part of the second edition of the Re-Imagined Storytelling Festival
This year's Festival Included Performances by 6 international and 8 Kenyan Storytellers, as well as interactive workshops. There was also a very interesting panel discussion of the future of folktales with movers and shakers in the Nairobi art and story scene.
It was also a festival of many First!!!
The Story Story, Story Come was launched - a new collection of folktales by writers from across Africa. There was the Release of audio version of the Story Story. Story Come
There was also a performance adaptation of some of the stories in a new production called The Door of No Return.
Well the reason behind all this is, for centuries communities across the Africa have used folk tales to share knowledge, both past and present; to educate audiences of all ages; and entertain families, friends and entire neighbourhoods.
However, the age-old tradition of oral storytelling on the decline. Rapid urbanisation, poverty, the breakdown of the extended family, television and so, has altered our social fabric.
The Outreach
Before the main event on Saturday, we have organized outreach around Nairobi, to the the stories different communities in around the city.
Tuesday
Outreach at Mathare Roots Youth Group Community Center
Wednesday
Awjama Cultural Center
Thursday
Buru buru Kenya national library service
saturday
Finally the day of the main event was here and we were all excited about it, we were finally kicking off the long awaited event. The Re-Imagined Storytelling Festival 2018 was hosted at the Alliance Française, Nairobi on December 15, 2018.
The evening was the first time audiences saw Story Story, Story Come an illustrated anthology of 12 re-imagined folktales by authors from across Africa and the Diaspora including an audio book version to original music. The children’s book is published in West Africa by Ouida Books and in East and Southern Africa by Paivapo.
The Festival also premiered the production The Door of (No) Return, an adaptation of some of the stories, in partnership with ZamaleoAct
The storytellers
maimouna jallow
Maimouna is storyteller and journalist from Gambia. She has performed and led workshops around the world. As co-founder and director of Positively African, she is the editor and curator of the Story Story, Story Come anthology and audio books and the organizer of the Re-Imagined Storytelling festival.
It was a great honor and experience for me as a photographer and storyteller to be a part of this amazing festival.
Credits:
Mohamed Gure