There is something about hearing a story without props or images that engages people and holds their attention.
Members of the Around Town Tellers have seen this for the past eight years as their storyteller events have continued to attract more people every year. The sessions now draw about 60 to 70 attendees of all ages.
“This is really engaging, intimate storytelling. It goes back to the roots of storytelling,” said Rachel Muller, program coordinator for the Around Town Tellers. “People are being told a story directly with no paper between them.”
The group held its first concert in January 2007, at the Coyote Café, but outgrew the location and now holds a story event every second Friday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo.
On Friday (Nov. 13) the Town Tellers present Heroes. The event features a broad range of stories on the subject to accommodate a variety of storytellers.
Th event also includes guest musician Eric Harper.
“We have a mix of traditional and personal stories,” said Muller. “The emphasis is on oral storytelling and we have one musician.”
The performance features host Lee Porteous. Mary Gavan presents Strange Heroes, Catherine Samson, Sir Percival and the Holy Grail, Rob Terstall The Liberation of Holland and Cindy Shantz presents Hero.
The tellers set the program in advance so people interested in presenting should contact the group early to join.
“We are always looking for new tellers,” said Muller.
She said the event is popular so people should arrive early to get a good seat.
On Dec. 11 the Around Town Tellers are presenting its concert Wisdom and Wonder. Muller said the event will feature stories with Christmas themes.
The story event is 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, 595 Townsite Road. Tickets are $5 at the door.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com