The Elphinstone Institute, in partnership with Woodend Arts Association, will host a Traditional Storytelling Weekend at Woodend Barn, Banchory, from Saturday April 20 until Sunday April 21, 2002, this being the first event of its kind for the North East.
The Elphinstone Institute is an initiative by the University to introduce the study of cultural traditions into its research portfolio, especially the traditions of the North and North East of Scotland. Events celebrating the traditional life of the North East are a key part of the work at the Institute.
Commenting on the forthcoming festival, Dr Ian Russell, Director at the Institute, said: "People are a little unsure of what to expect because it is a new event for the North East, but they shouldn't worry. It's going to be friendly, absolutely fascinating, in fact, unmissable. Storytelling at its best!"
The weekend will be led by six traditional storytellers from the North East of Scotland, the Highlands, England, and Ireland, all recognised as outstanding exponents, both in their own communities and further afield. Stanley Robertson and Alec John Williamson are from the Scottish Traveller community and are noted for their extensive knowledge of Scottish oral traditions. John Campbell and Len Graham are Northern Ireland’s finest exponents of storytelling and song. Bob Pegg and Sheena Blackhall are both established writers and performers, who work extensively in schools throughout the region. They will be supported by a group of four local storytellers, who have a growing reputation in Aberdeenshire. Participants will be able to hear stories and tell stories in front of, and alongside, other storytellers from related but distinct traditions.
During the weekend, the festival will include workshops and informal ‘storyrounds’, as well as traditional
ceilidhs, which will feature the invited guests and also include some songs and music alongside the tales. Two talks by recognised authorities on Oral Narrative Tradition will support the theme of the weekend.
The festival, supported by the Scottish Storytelling Centre, will be directed by Dr Russell and bookings are can be taken by contacting the Woodend Barn on: (01330) 825431 or by calling the University’s Elphinstone Institute on: (01224) 272996.
Issued by Public Relations Office, External Relations, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: 01224 272014 Fax: 01224 272086
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-272960 or email e.darling@abdn.ac.uk.