FESTIVAL PASSES AVAILABLE!
FUNDA (to LEARN)
Funda is a Zulu word, spoken by the people in South Africa. Long before there were books, the elders and griots and jaliyas—the storytellers- were the keepers of the culture. They passed on stories and songs so the community would learn its history, values, and traditions, in the oral tradition. That’s what we offer here: a place to learn. Not only that, it looks like FUN!
Gcina Mhlophe from South Africa at the Newport Museum.
OVER
WE REACH A VILLAGE
Once Upon a Time….Time!
RIBS and invited guests from the African Diaspora bring the culture to the community—We bring the stories to you for an experience you won’t forget. And, we aren’t the only ones who get to tell. Join in our Table Talk or Liar’s Contest if you have the gift of gab and imagination, or some memories to share.
Saturday, Jan. 23
- Kickoff: Read Across RI
- Storytelling: Black History / Present Focus
SUNDAY, Jan 24.
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Words and Music:
Hosted by Marlon Carley & Sussy Santana - Words and Music: Noel Quinones
Thursday, Jan. 28
- Gumbo Gathering/Community Flavors
- Performance by Haus of Glitter
Friday, Jan. 29
- Liar's Contest
- Guest Artist: Mitch Capel
Saturday, Jan. 30
- Family Fun Day!
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Writing Workshop:
Sponsored by Books on the Square - Youth Concert
Sunday, Jan. 31
- Sacred Storytelling
- Special Guest: Fred Johnson
For Schools, Churches, Organizations, Businesses, Libraries
Live Storytelling
on Zoom
We will have a 45 minute to 1-hour storytelling experience for your school or class(es) live on zoom with a live storyteller telling stories directly on the zoom call. The teller(s) will prepare 30 - 45 minutes of storytelling with a 5 -15-minute Q + A session with the storyteller(s) to immediately follow the stories.
(All packages come with an accompanying study guide tailored to the story content presented)
Pre-Recorded Stories
We will send you 30 minutes’ worth of storytelling for your school/classes to have access to for 1 week whenever you would like and for however many times you choose during that time frame. In addition, you will receive a 1-time Q + A session with the storyteller(s) for 15 minutes. Any additional Q + A session will add an extra 50.00 to the total package cost.
In-Person Storytelling
With this option, if COVID-19 and individual school guidelines permit, we will be able to bring a storyteller to your school for a small [insert a maximum number of people limit?] in-person storytelling session. There will be 30 - 45 minutes of storytelling with a 5 - 15-minute Q + A immediately to follow the stories. This session can also be streamed live to other classes and students in other locations. **
View some of our classroom presentations:
Teju in West Warwick, RI
Valerie in Cranston
Christylz Southside Charter School
*IN PERSON STORYTELLING* Social Distancing will be adhered to and masks will be required for all audience members. If outside (weather permitting), the storyteller can choose to wear a mask and/or shield at least 10 feet away from the audience. If inside, the storyteller will wear a mask in compliance with the CDC’s recommendations for indoor gatherings. *Please Note, this option may change and shift as time goes on and as covid-19 guidelines shift. At any point, either party may choose to swap this option for package 1 or 2 if deemed necessary. *
OVER 25 PERFORMERS From Around the World!
Experience the talents of performers from the African Diaspora. Our artists hail from the US, the UK, the Caribbean, and the African Continent.
Charlotte Blake Alston
Storyteller, Narrator, Librettist www.charlotteblakealston.com View her TEDx Talk
Fred Johnson:
American Djeli
Vocalist, Author, Painter, Educator, Sacra-Sonic Quantum Emanations Sound Healer
READ MORE
Music, storytelling, spoken word and more
Because there are so many ways to tell a story! And in Black Storytelling all these genres have a place. Storytelling is not just “reading books to kids.”
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