Jan 29
Over on my Tumblr page there’s a new post with a brief interview.
Corin Haines of Auckland Libraries – whose Central Library recently hosted an impromptu gig by alternative cabaret act The Dresden Dolls – took the time for a quick chat about notions of what libraries, and literacy, can be.
See the post here: http://matthewfinch.tumblr.com/post/16633129913/new-zealand-has-a-reputation-as-a-remote
Jan 28
Is the universe made of stories? Human beings can’t keep from telling tales, or listening to them – whether it’s creation myths or the “grand narratives” of science and politics, flights of fantasy or just an answer to the question, “So what did you do today?”
For more than four decades, one woman has sustained the tradition of oral storytelling in the heart of Manhattan. In 1968, Diane Wolkstein began an official role with New York’s Department of Parks and Recreation which has brought stories from around the world to life through her passion and craft.
Diane caught up with me recently to discuss her career, the challenges of drawing on stories from other cultures, and the business of telling tales in the modern metropolis.
Nikky Smedley, the performer, storyteller and choreographer best known for her role as the Teletubby Laa Laa, first appeared on my site back in 2010, when she took her children’s dance show The Tell Woman on tour in the UK.
On the eve of my interview with New York’s official storyteller Diane Wolkstein, Nikky joins us again for a guest post about storytelling and education in 2012.
You can see my latest community events piece, on New York’s First Annual Kids’ Food Festival,at http://www.dnainfo.com/20120123/midtown/kids-learn-about-healthy-eating-bryant-park
More from NYC soon…
12 months ago, I couldn’t imagine that 2011 could top a year that included a speech at the House of Commons and two half-marathons, one of them raising funds for the literacy volunteers at Volunteer Reading Help.
As it turned out, January 2011 marked the beginning of even more travel and adventures than I’d expected.
Theme: Linen by The Theme Foundry
