On stage is Kevin Iega Jeff, a choreographer for Community Performance Inc. (CPI), an organization specializing in theatrical productions created from stories of people and their places. CPI is working with the International Storytelling Center to discover and craft Jonesborough's stories and will write and direct the community performances scheduled for 2011. (Image by Fresh Air Photo)
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. - The International Storytelling Center (ISC) hosted a storytelling celebration on March 16, 2010 in the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall on the ISC campus.
In partnership with the Town of Jonesborough and the local Heritage Alliance, ISC launched the new Jonesborough community storytelling program, "Telling Jonesborough's Stories." Designed to discover, craft, and share Jonesborough's stories, the program will celebrate what's special about the community and its people.
The March 16 event initiated the ongoing process which will invite Jonesborough residents of all cultures, backgrounds, and ages to take part in a community-wide initiative to gather the town's stories. Collecting community stories will provide a way to celebrate and honor Jonesborough and its residents; discover and commemorate the town's history, heritage, and core values; and honor the diverse voices of Jonesborough.
Residents' stories will be collected through an online wiki, one-on-one interviews, group interaction, and simple conversation. Various outlets will be used to share the town's stories including video and audio recordings, magazines and books, theater and musical productions, dance, walking tours, film, Web sites, and museum and art exhibits.
During 2010, "Telling Jonesborough's Stories" will work within the community and initiate activities to collect stories. In 2011, these stories will be used to present story-based community performances in Jonesborough.
"We are excited to launch this unique community-based program that celebrates storytelling and showcases the power and possibilities of this ancient tradition," said Jimmy Neil Smith, founder and president of ISC. "We believe there is no other program like this anywhere in America or the world. During the next two years, 'Telling Jonesborough's Stories' will further establish our town as the storytelling capital of the world."
After igniting an international storytelling revival more than 37 years ago with the birth of the National Storytelling Festival, ISC is uniquely qualified to partner with the town of Jonesborough and the Heritage Alliance to implement this exciting community initiative. ISC is approaching four decades of serving as the leading organization of the international storytelling revival.
