Archive...

Storyteller captivates
The Pre

The Professional Storyteller, John Harris, put on an inspiring show at Clifton College Preparatory School on the 7th February, performing his graphic and stimulating versions of ancient myths and legends to the captivated Year 5s and 7s. John visits schools all over the country and he has a regular annual fixture at the Pre. He also stayed after the storytelling to sign copies of his books "Charlie's Key", "Creatures of Crete" and "The Geat" to great enthusiasm from the children.

He conjured colourful images of the grotesque and supernatural elements of the legends of "Pandora's Box" and "Orpheus and Eurydice", acting as one more powerful voice to pass on these stories from across the centuries by word of mouth. Putting emphasis on the gruesome characters, who quirkily use the parlances and gestures of modern times, with their extreme traits of apathy, aggression, greed, grief, curiosity and longing, all familiar and applicable to young people today, John gives the ancient tales seamless relevance to a modern audience.

It was a pleasure to see children so invigorated and touched by John's storytelling without the use of visual imagery or props. There was clear encouragement to find a personal voice and choose words wisely and with patience for their poetic and descriptive quality. The children's consistent attention was given away not only by their silence but by the simultaneous gasping, tutting and laughter in response to John's performance. The underlying messages in the stories of hope and love were strong and valuable ones but it was the overall lesson on listening and communicating, that was no doubt taken away by all the children, that high-lights the importance of John's visit.

Sophie Johns
Library Assistant (Pre)

20 February 2008