Oral storytelling is an ancient art that remains alive to this day. Before the written word, the only way to pass on a culture’s history was to tell the people’s stories to the younger generation. Today storytelling festivals delight people of all ages throughout the world.

So what is storytelling?

The dictionary defines a storyteller as one who tells stories. Today's storytellers, much like their historical counterparts, tell single stories or a series of stories that can be philosophical, truthful or fictitious. Their resources include other storytellers, associations, workshops and schools.

Do you want to attend a storytelling festival in Vancouver, B.C.? Here is the latest information on the Vancouver Storytelling Festival Nov. 2-5, 2000:

The festival hosts 26 events, four of which are workshops. Advance tickets can be bought by phone using Visa or MasterCard or purchased at the Vancouver Museum Box Office. Tickets can also be bought at the event. Festival Passes are $45 and $50; individual ticket costs range from $2-$15. Prices are based on membership to the Vancouver Society of Storytellers, age and financial circumstances. There is a wrap-up social at the end of the festival where you can meet storytellers, volunteers and organizers. Check the Vancouver Storytelling Festival web site for a schedule of events, locations, and ticket prices. This site also provides links and contact information for the transit system and the False Creek ferries.

Storyteller.net is a unique site with an amphitheater where you can listen to stories being told. An event calendar, discussion groups, teller lists, tapes and book resources are also available. Submissions from writers for articles on storytelling, reviews, events and new storytelling audiocassette releases and books are encouraged.

		Dennis Dewey

By Chris McCuaig