by Molly Walsh
On the second Wednesday of the month, the South Sound Story Guild gathers at Olympia’s Harbor House, where attendees preserve and celebrate the art of oral storytelling. Whether a funny yarn passed down through the generations, a spooky legend or the tale of a great mythological hero, the South Sound Story Guild holds space for members of the guild and the greater community to be entertained, learn something new, and share their own stories.
Maggie Lott has been a member of the Story Guild for more than two decades, and many of the oral storytelling traditions that the group started long ago continue into the modern day, including an annual Stories in the Park event that takes place each August.
Lott’s interest in oral storytelling began at a young age, when exchanging family stories at her grandmother’s kitchen table. Through these family tales, Lott learned about the basic components of oral storytelling, from narrative structure to emotional resonance, to humor. As an adult, Lott was once again drawn to storytelling, remembering the times she would dramatize voices when reading to her children. And as an elementary school teacher, she remembers how engaged students would be when she shared stories with the class. Lott decided to join the South Sound Story Guild as a way to learn more about the art of storytelling.
Tobey Ishii-Anderson is another longtime member of the Story Guild. As a teacher for more than four decades, Ishii-Anderson noticed a connection between teaching and storytelling, and how a story could be more than just a narrative, but also an educational tool.
“I consider stories just part of teaching, kind of a natural thing,” said Ishii-Anderson.
The South Sound Story Guild works to bolster storytelling as its own unique art form, combining space for entertainment and space for new story tellers to practice and expand their storytelling skill set. Ishii-Anderson said the guild also helps to build a local appreciation for the art of oral storytelling in the community. The South Sound Story Guild welcomes new storytellers, and the guild’s more experienced members are happy to serve as mentors, whether providing a listening ear, advice or feedback.
The art of oral storytelling isn’t a monolith, and can span countless genres and interpretations. Stories may have roots in folklore, be semi-autobiographical or recount moments from everyday life. Storytellers may approach tales through a historical lens, and may focus on the life of a famous figure or past event. Storytelling also has ties to theatrical performance, with some storytellers taking on a specific character or persona, similar to an actor in a play. Some storytellers also incorporate additional media into their craft. Lott says that at past Story Guild events, there was a storyteller who combined storytelling with poetry, and other storytellers who melded their stories with musical instrumentation, including the harp and guitar.
According to Lott, storytelling can also help form close ties between families and the greater community. Stories allow the listener a deeper appreciation for the experiences of their
ancestors or the town where they grew up. Storytelling can also foster literacy skills, helping young students expand their imagination while learning more about plot structure and character development. Lott also credits stories for their ability to cultivate traditions, community values and empathy through a memorable medium.
“You hear how this person struggled and overcame their problem, and that gives you impetus that you can solve your problems,” said Lott. “And it gives you empathy for that person.”
Storytelling is also a source of entertainment, humor and connection. Ishii-Anderson especially loves stories that make her laugh, in addition to spooky stories that can spark the imagination.
The South Sound Story Guild hosts a Story Swap on the second Wednesday of each month, with the exception of July, August and November. Story Swaps take place at Harbor House in downtown Olympia. Each Story Swap includes an Opening Teller, a Featured Teller and opportunity for participation from swap attendees. Ishii-Anderson said the Story Swap is an ideal venue to practice a story in front of a live and welcoming audience.
The next Story Swap events will take place on October 8, December 10, and January 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Harbor House. Those who cannot attend the event in person can also attend virtually via Zoom.
On November 28, the South Sound Story Guild will also host their annual fundraiser, “Tellabration!” from 7 to 9 p.m. at Traditions Fair Trade. This storytelling performance event will feature a lineup of eight tellers from the South Sound Story Guild, and is expected to be an evening of fun and community connection, drawing from folk tales, fables, personal narratives and more.
All photos courtesy of South Sound Story Guild.
WHAT:
South Sound Story Guild Monthly Story Swaps
South Sound Story Guild “Tellabration!” Fundraiser
WHEN:
- October 8, December 10 and January 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.
- “Tellabration!” will take place on November 28 from 7-9 p.m.
WHERE:
- Story Swap: Harbor House in Olympia, 217 Thurston Ave NW, Olympia
- “Tellabration!” Fundraiser: Traditions Fair Trade, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia
*Events are also available to attend virtually via Zoom
COST:
Story Swap: Free; “Tellabration!”
Fundraiser: Suggestion donation of $10
LEARN MORE:
https://southsoundstory.org/events/