World-class narrators join International Storytelling Festival

Sharjah festival to include traditional stories, dance and music, and runs till March 17

The second edition of the International Storytelling Festival kicked off in Sharjah yesterday featuring some of the most vibrant international narrators.

Held under the theme ‘Roots and Roads’, the festival features storytellers, musicians, visual artists and dancers from seven countries till March 17 at Al Noor Island, one of the emirate’s most popular tourist and recreational destinations.

Speaking about the festival, organisers said it represents a rare opportunity to reconnect the contemporary audience with the oral tradition and the rich heritage of traditional stories.

The programme bears once more the signature of Paola Balbi and Davide Bardi, world famous storytellers and artistic directors of renowned storytelling festivals in several countries, committed to bring to the audience in the UAE the ultimate storytelling experience with a lineup of incredibly talented professionals from the international scene, alongside locally grown talents.

“Nowadays there is a widespread misconception about traditional stories,” said Balbi, artistic director of the festival. “People think that stories are meant to be for kids ... but it’s not so. In the old times, traditional stories targeted adult audiences and were used by the senior members of the community to pass on knowledge, values and experiences.”

The festival, in line with the other major storytelling festivals of the international scene, aims to be an opportunity for the contemporary audience to be exposed to the enriching experience of listening, he said.

“We hope that people will walk out of our performances feeling encouraged and inspired to go back and discover once more the treasure of the oral tradition.”

Traditional stories from the oral tradition of seven countries are being told in both Arabic and English during the festival by 10 professional storytellers, accompanied by live music, and sometimes blended with dance and visual art.

The programme is touching on a variety of topics to suit all ages, including ancient tales, myths, legends, wisdom, science, humour, travel and much more, highlighting the beauty of the oral tradition.

The first day opened with a rich selection of performances.

Today, the festival will focus on traditional Arabic tales of merchants and travellers and a celebration of Emirati oral tradition.

Marwa Obaid Al Shamsi, Al Noor Island manager, said: “The festival is a truly exceptional event which involves the entire community through some of the most vibrant international narrators. It provides a great insight into local, regional and global cultures with fascinating tales.”