Title
Story to stage – oral storytelling in the African tradition

Workshop description
In this workshop we will explore storytelling in the Southern African tradition, which places particular emphasis on audience interaction, using rhythm and music to create a collaborative experience between storyteller and audience. We will explore practically how to facilitate a collaborative theatre devising process inspired by this unique performance form.

Learning outcomes
Participants will:
– Discover the Southern African style of storytelling and unpack its stylistic elements through games.
– Learn how to use oral narratives as a framework for students devising new work.
– Guide students through developing a gestural language to create and build strong characters.
– Use music to encourage audience participation and interaction.
– Use rhythm games in rehearsals to shape and enhance performance.
– Understand how to begin creating an intercultural theatre experience.

How this workshop will benefit teachers in their curriculum delivery
This workshop will introduce DP theatre teachers to a set of tools which they can use to support student’s ensemble work and devised collaborative theatre projects. It will also introduce techniques which can be applied in cross curricular projects and to enhance cultural awareness.

The workshop directly addresses an ‘unfamiliar’ theatre tradition enabling teachers to confidently explore this with students in their classroom. It also addresses wider elements of the DP Theatre course in its relevance to devising, performance skills and collaborative creation.

Target audience
DP Theatre teachers

Awelani Moyo
I was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in South Africa where I first studied drama. I completed my PhD in Theatre Studies in the United Kingdom and lived in southeast Asia for five years. I have a background as a performer, writer and director, and now live in Spain with my husband.

I enjoy creating original and devised performances based on my personal experiences and in the past few years I have been exploring my Shona Zimbabwean/Venda South African heritage through research and experimentation. I’m interested in using storytelling and music to create a sense of community and belonging.

I have delivered workshops on various aspects of African Theatre including Praise Poetry, Protest Theatre and Shona Storytelling. My work focuses on developing cultural awareness and experimenting with ways of making traditional African performance forms accessible to new audiences. As a freelance practitioner I use storytelling to support learning on a range of cross-curricular topics.

Event coordinator
Helen Abbott

The workshop will take place using the platform Zoom.
Places are limited to 20 participants per workshop.
You will receive a link to the Zoom call the day before the workshop.

The cost of the session is GBP £30 per person.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. Plus anything requested by the workshop leader which will be shared with you a few days prior to the workshop.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.