Blog #20: Women’s Storytelling Festival
Fairfax, Virginia
The first Women’s Storytelling Festival took place March 13 and 14, 2020 in Fairfax, Virginia amid the Coronavirus pandemic. At that point, people were advised to avoid crowds greater than 250 people. Jessica Piscitelli Robinson worked with the officials in Fairfax to be sure the festival would be compliant with guidelines, should it be allowed to go on as planned. We got daily emails from Jessica about the status of the festival.
Fairfax, Virginia
The first Women’s Storytelling Festival took place March 13 and 14, 2020 in Fairfax, Virginia amid the Coronavirus pandemic. At that point, people were advised to avoid crowds greater than 250 people. Jessica Piscitelli Robinson worked with the officials in Fairfax to be sure the festival would be compliant with guidelines, should it be allowed to go on as planned. We got daily emails from Jessica about the status of the festival.
As of Friday morning, it was on.
So, we went. We arrived with tempered expectations. The recommendations and guidelines were changing almost hourly it seemed. Friday night was held at the Auld Shebeen, which was perfect. Alas, the crowd was small, and several of the showcase tellers had to back out. That didn’t stop those who were there from taking the stage and giving the audience their best with an interesting mix of material, styles, and stories. I was thrilled that so many local and regional tellers had been included. It’s so hard to find a way to break out of one niche and leap to the next level, and the opportunities are few and far between.
Saturday, we got a full day of stories, lasting into the evening. Sheila Arnold, Megan Hicks, Jessica Piscitelli Robinson, and Donna Washington, the featured tellers who were able to attend, were glorious. The size of the audience, which was small, didn’t faze them. We heard historical stories, folktales, and personal stories, each rich and satisfying. There were showcases with different tellers at lunch, and a story swap for audience members who were so moved. Truly, something for everyone.
It is a relatively small world – storytelling. The community of storytellers is tightly woven, but never exclusive. All are welcomed with open arms and hearts. Under the circumstances, we were all careful not to hug and kiss each other as is the way of storytellers. That part was awkward, and created a longing in me that I hadn’t expected.
So, we went. We arrived with tempered expectations. The recommendations and guidelines were changing almost hourly it seemed. Friday night was held at the Auld Shebeen, which was perfect. Alas, the crowd was small, and several of the showcase tellers had to back out. That didn’t stop those who were there from taking the stage and giving the audience their best with an interesting mix of material, styles, and stories. I was thrilled that so many local and regional tellers had been included. It’s so hard to find a way to break out of one niche and leap to the next level, and the opportunities are few and far between.
Saturday, we got a full day of stories, lasting into the evening. Sheila Arnold, Megan Hicks, Jessica Piscitelli Robinson, and Donna Washington, the featured tellers who were able to attend, were glorious. The size of the audience, which was small, didn’t faze them. We heard historical stories, folktales, and personal stories, each rich and satisfying. There were showcases with different tellers at lunch, and a story swap for audience members who were so moved. Truly, something for everyone.
It is a relatively small world – storytelling. The community of storytellers is tightly woven, but never exclusive. All are welcomed with open arms and hearts. Under the circumstances, we were all careful not to hug and kiss each other as is the way of storytellers. That part was awkward, and created a longing in me that I hadn’t expected.
This, too, shall pass.
Here’s what’s really important. The first, very first, Women’s Storytelling Festival went on as planned and without a hitch. Jessica Robinson is to be applauded for her vision and her leadership. I am proud this festival gave the local tellers a bigger audience and a bigger event. I expect that there will be a second Women’s Storytelling Festival in 2021.
I will be there!
Here’s what’s really important. The first, very first, Women’s Storytelling Festival went on as planned and without a hitch. Jessica Robinson is to be applauded for her vision and her leadership. I am proud this festival gave the local tellers a bigger audience and a bigger event. I expect that there will be a second Women’s Storytelling Festival in 2021.
I will be there!
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