Storytellers gather in Hamilton for a Tellabration.
By: Kristin Boyd
For weeks, Paula Davidhoff read books to special-education students whose interest and attention often waned within the first few pages.
Trying a new tactic, the mother of five tossed out the books and retold the story of the Cyclops in The Odyssey from memory. She incorporated dramatic movements and different voices for each character. The kids, she remembers, hung on her every word.
"It was so powerful," says Ms. Davidhoff, who became a professional storyteller shortly thereafter. "That day the kids listened. They talked. They asked questions. The teacher and I were just floored. I really, really believe literature can change people’s lives."
Ms. Davidhoff will spin some of her favorite tales at Tellabration 2006 in Hamilton Nov. 19. The performance event, held simultaneously at schools, libraries and museums worldwide, spreads the word about storytelling while also raising money for local charities.
The Garden State Storyteller’s League is sponsoring the Hamilton Tellebration. Money raised will benefit the Hamilton Township Library Trust Fund and the Patrick S. Biddulph Foundation for Leukemia Research.
The event will begin with "Exploring the ‘White Space’ in Story," an educators’ workshop led by Ms. Davidoff of Morristown. Participating educators will receive four professional development hours from the state Department of Education.
A concert featuring folksinger Heather Mulvey and four Garden State storytellers Barbara Antoniewicz, Jeanette Purdy, Doreen Shepard and Ann Zigrand will take center stage following the workshop.
"At this moment, in Africa, Japan, England and Hawaii, there is storytelling going on," says event co-chairwoman and storyteller Gwendolyn Jones, reciting a portion of the proclamation that is read at the beginning of Tellabration performances.
"It’s like Hands Across America," she adds, "but it’s hands around the world united by stories. And everybody has a story."
Storytelling is steeped in literature and oral history, Ms. Jones says. It took root centuries ago, long before newspapers, iPods and Web sites began swaying attention away from the spoken word.
Still, the value of storytelling is not lost, she says. It is the basis of song lyrics, comedy acts, television shows, movie scripts, comic strips, church sermons, even daily life.
"Everyone tells stories in some form or other at school, at the laundromat, at the Acme," she says. "Essentially, stories just embrace the universals of life. There’s hope, there’s happiness, there’s love, there’s jealousy, there is even hate… They’re all contained within stories."
With a soothing voice that rivals Mary Poppins, Ms. Jones can elicit reactions from even the most reluctant listener.
Whether she’s describing a cobbler named Billy Glynn from her childhood village in England or recounting the tale of Zulu twins threatened with death, she lures audiences into every story, allowing them to tap into the emotion behind her words.
"I have seen people just laugh out loud or you see them with an anticipatory smile," she says, her melodic tone rising and falling. "And with some stories you see concern, or tears even."
Selecting a story, Ms. Jones says, is like choosing the perfect party dress. You "try on" several stories until you find one that fits the occasion and the audience. Then you add your accessories personality, voices and music.
No matter which tale storytellers select, they must bring an authentic emotion to the performance so the audience becomes invested in the story and is able to visualize the scenes and the characters.
"They have to believe your story," Ms. Antoniewicz says. "You have to make it seem like they are living the story you’re telling, not just reciting something you’ve read."
Ms. Davidhoff agrees, adding stories provide a common bond and put the audience and the storyteller on the same page.
"Whether you’re on stage with hundreds of people in the audience or whether you’re in a classroom with 10 and 12 kids, you see you are all in the same place at the same time," Ms. Davidhoff says. "It’s clear that we’re all visualizing. We’re happy or worried or nervous depending on the story… We’re being involved in the moment."
Tellabration 2006 will be held at the Hamilton Township Library, 1 Municipal Drive, Hamilton, Nov. 19. An educators’ workshop begins at 1 p.m. and the Tellebration concert begins at 3 p.m. The concert is best suited for adults and teens ages 14 and older. Cost is $20 for the educators’ workshop and concert or $10 for the concert only. For information, call (609) 499-0107.

