"The Telling of a Story, The Turning of a Word"
From Anancy The Spider to The People Who Could Fly and all that is in between, Valerie Stephens offers up interactive stories, songs and games from West Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean for the whole family. Comedy and drama in its original form with lessons about history, strength, knowing thyself and just plain fun for all to enjoy and share. Her repertoire includes;
All About Anansi
Storytelling concert dedicated to Anansi the Spider, is full of interactive stories, games and songs from around the world that celebrate the Trickster and the joy that he has given generations. This program is designed for preschool to third grade aged children. Program running time: Approximately 45 minutes.
Freedom Stories
A storytelling series based on the courageous actions of Americans during the American Abolitionist Movement and Slavery, focusing on the Stono Rebellion and the lives of Henry "Box" Brown, William & Ellen Craft and Harriet Jacobs. In addition, an original tale recounting the first Juneteenth, June 19, 1865, through the eyes of a ten year old slave girl named Sue Sue. The concert include prime source stories and songs from that tumultious time in American History. Freedom Stories was originally contracted by the National Underground Railroad Foundation for performance. This program is designed for ages 12 to Adult. Running time: 60 minutes.
THE Seasons & Other Things
- Cross cultural folktales about the fascinating aspects of Nature with Anasi the Spider, Coyote, Raven and others as our guides. What happens to Winter when Spring comes? How did we get twelve months? Where did the earth come from? I love tricksters and how they have been used to explain the complexities of Mother Nature. This program is suited for ages 5 - 12. Running time: 60 minutes.
All About Anansi
Storytelling concert dedicated to Anansi the Spider, is full of interactive stories, games and songs from around the world that celebrate the Trickster and the joy that he has given generations. This program is designed for preschool to third grade aged children. Program running time: Approximately 45 minutes.
Freedom Stories
A storytelling series based on the courageous actions of Americans during the American Abolitionist Movement and Slavery, focusing on the Stono Rebellion and the lives of Henry "Box" Brown, William & Ellen Craft and Harriet Jacobs. In addition, an original tale recounting the first Juneteenth, June 19, 1865, through the eyes of a ten year old slave girl named Sue Sue. The concert include prime source stories and songs from that tumultious time in American History. Freedom Stories was originally contracted by the National Underground Railroad Foundation for performance. This program is designed for ages 12 to Adult. Running time: 60 minutes.
THE Seasons & Other Things
- Cross cultural folktales about the fascinating aspects of Nature with Anasi the Spider, Coyote, Raven and others as our guides. What happens to Winter when Spring comes? How did we get twelve months? Where did the earth come from? I love tricksters and how they have been used to explain the complexities of Mother Nature. This program is suited for ages 5 - 12. Running time: 60 minutes.
