Storytelling evening

Last Friday I hosted a storytelling evening. I have to say, it went rather well!

We used my friend Jesse’s apartment in Trinity College (she is a scholar). It was very kind of her to let us use it, considering she wasn’t even present herself! She had realised she had a ball to go to after offering the space, yet didn’t revoke her offer. Very kind!

When I first got there I saw the living room set up with all these chairs in a circle and had a moment of doubt. What if only two people show up? (Those two people being my friends who’d said they’d come). Yeah it seemed likely… It was a cold, dark, blustery night. This apartment wasn’t the most accessible or easiest place to find… I set out the snacks and prepared some tea hoping my doubts would be unfounded.

In all, 7 people showed up. It was an intimate group, which made for a great evening of passionate conversation!

8 people, mostly strangers to each other, in one small corner of Trinity, debating the good and bad of humanity. Delving into the deeper aspects of our own opinions. Telling stories. Reading aloud poems. Questioning. Burrowing towards truths.

It was quite unexpectedly beautiful.

I will host another of these storytelling evenings soon! Here is the takeaway:

•Make mulled wine/alcoholic squash. Aideen brought some and it turned out to be a most welcome addition to the evening!

•Invite people to come to listen. Three of the people who attended did not wish to share a piece, but their presence was absolutely a bonus. Though, next time I will offer people who forgot to bring something an opportunity to play a song/audio piece from their phone, if they are too shy to talk. If they wish to read but simply forgot to bring material, I will provide some poetry books that they can read from.

•Create atmosphere. Light candles. Burn incense. Dim the lights. Provide blankets and cushions. Make it cosy and ambient.

•Bake something. (Again, thanks to Aideen, we experienced another welcome addition to the evening: delicious baked goods!)

•Make it more clear that you can bring musical instruments and as many friends as you want along!