Finances have been tight since our move from Virginia to
North Carolina, prompting me to buy only the Performance Package for the 2013
National Storytelling Network (NSN) Conference - themed “ Story: Seed of Creativity.” I missed
the wonderful workshops, but there were performances of all kinds sprinkled
throughout the schedule, so I still managed to have a delightful time.
Brief summaries of performances I attended:
Denise Bennett’s
fringe, “The Heart’s True Scale” was
gripping, heartfelt, and downright hilarious. I have seen this show grow from a
seed to a glorious flower. Every time I see it, I find something new to admire.
The four story showcases featured tellers galore from all
experience levels. All of the stories were well-told. The one I am best remembering
is Miriam Nadel’s tale of her
experience on the television game show “Jeopardy.”
I just started watching this show a month ago, and I enjoyed hearing about the
hoops one must jump through to be a contestant.
I am also remembering Fred Powers,
who authentically portrayed a coal miner caught in a life-threatening
experience. Gary Lloyd’s clever ode
to chocolate tweaked my appetite for sweet treats. Arianna Ross broke my heart with her story of a woman living in a
Bosnian refugee camp.
Diane Edgecomb
and Margot Chamberlain once again
wowed the audience with their brilliance and synchronicity in their Fringe “New Age Gawain and the Green Knight.” I
never tire of seeing these two women perform together. Margot’s harp flows
perfectly with Diane’s every move. Imagine the hours of practice it must take
to work so well together! Look for Diane
at the 2013 National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, where she will be
featured as a new voice.
Bernadette Nason’s
fringe, “Tea in Tripoli,” follows
the journey of a naïve young English Woman who takes a contract job to work for
a year in Tripoli. Little does she know the complex and dangerous life that
awaits her there. I felt as though I
were going through the experience with her.
The All Regions Story
Slam – “Create,” hosted by the always witty and always captivating Kim Weitkamp was a hoot!
Congratulations to winners Yvonne Healey
(3rd place), Lynn Ruehlmann
(2nd place), and Elzora Dennison Trimmer (1st place). Judges Sheila
Arnold, Adam Booth, and Leeny Del
Seamonds had a tough job, as there were many stories worthy of prizes. I
enjoyed getting to hear my old friend Jim
Harriman of Connecticut spin a yarn at the slam.
The members meeting revealed a board that has been hard at
work to make NSN relevant, motivating, and financially sound. We learned that
three cities are being considered to be NSN’s new home: Kansas City, MO (which
has already made a nice offer), Pittsburgh, Pa, and Chicago, IL. Board Chairman Alton Chung announced that next year’s conference will be held in
July in Phoenix, AZ.
The closing ceremony featured the incomparable Latin Ballet of Virginia, dancing “The Legend of the Sleeping Princess.” This
performance left me speechless! The colorful costumes, the grace and skill of
the dancers (how do they make it look so effortless?), and the spellbound audience
combined to create an unforgettable world where fantasy and music were braided
together to hold us under their spell.
The NSN Oracle Awards saw many storytellers being rewarded
for their years of service to the storytelling community. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Elizabeth Ellis, Syd
Lieberman, and Diane Wolkstein (posthumously). Lynette Ford, Andy Offutt Irwin, Angel Lloyd, Kevin Locke, Olga Loya, and Patricia Coffie received Circle
of Excellence Awards. Judy Sima
received an award for Distinguished
National Service. Regional Awards were given to Ellouise Schoettler, Jim Dieckmann,
Judith Heineman, Alden (Joe) Doolittle, Karen Ferris Morgan, and MyLinda Butterworth. Congratulations
to all!
Of course, being in the company of friends that I do not get
to see often is the best part of the festival for me. Leeny Del Seamonds, storyteller extraordinaire, was my roommate and was delightful
company. I got to have meals with pals from all over the country. I even made a
few new friends! I was sorry to leave Richmond, but I am already looking for to
next year in Phoenix.
No comments:
Post a Comment