The 2023 Institute Library Tellabration is planned for 7:30 P.M. on the evenings of Wednesday and Thursday, October 25-26… It is one of many Tellabrations across Connecticut held every Fall in collaboration with the Connecticut Storytelling Center.
The Tellabration preparation begins with a sort of storytelling 101, a series of workshops held at the Institute Library from 7-9 P.M. on four Thursdays. September 28 and October 5, 12, and 19. Workshop members choose a story and prepare to tell it, with the help of feedback from other members. We also touch on a few general issues in storytelling – for example, the difference for both tellers and audience between a story told orally and one told in writing. Those who choose to do so tell their stories at the Tellabration, which is open to the public.
Stories may be of any genre. Most stories in past Tellabrations have come from the teller’s own experience, but we have heard a few traditional folktales and unclassifiable stories as well. No experience is required. Of course you all have experience telling stories – at the dinner table, to your friends, to your coworkers, or whatever. All we do in the workshops is make the process more deliberate.
For questions or concerns, contact the coordinator, Arnie Pritchard, at apritchard01@snet.net, 203-624-2520.