Another great turn out at the Undercroft this month with 40 plus packing out the medieval cellar. We were even reminded part way through the evening of all those who had visited the space before us. How many is anybodies guess over the last 7-800 odd years and so we tried to keep them happy with many wonderful tales including one from a new regular Sarah Walker - One of our more well traveled tellers who has worked all over Europe, Thailand and the Middle East. Indeed, her travels influenced her choice of tales this month, with an Arabic story about a girl and her magic dog skin, which she used to transform herself into a talking dog...
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| Cheap wine and ales, comfy seats and some excellent tales - What more do you want from a storytelling gathering! |
We were even honoured with a visit from Marion Leeper of the Cambridge Storytellers. Marion is involved in Zalka Csenge Virag's 'Project Grimm' celebrating the 200th anniversary of the publication of the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales under the title of Children's and Household Tales. Zalka's aim is very simple - To encourage storytellers to tell four of Grimm's tales, two of which they pick themselves and two "assigned by luck" by Zalka. After a few performances here and there the stories are videoed for inclusion in an international archive. Check out the link above, for Marion thinks that there is still time to get involved and you can email Zalka direct at: zalkacs@yahoo.com
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| Marion Leeper |
We enjoyed Marion's reworking of Grimm so much that we are now thinking of dedicating one half of our April gathering to the hardworking brothers. Unfortunately no photo of Marion telling at last weeks Undercroft, but I include a publicity shot here, because she will be coming back as a guest teller in November this year. Details to follow nearer the time.
Next months Tales from the Undercroft is on Wednesday 1st February with a loose theme of 'Lust and Loss'. We'll be starting at 8.00 prompt, so please try and arrive early to ensure one of the comfy seats!
Anyone wishing to tell can email Dave at theyarnsmith@yahoo.co.uk. Worth doing as we are beginning to get very busy and just might run out of spaces!
Jim Kavanagh
