Donna Jacobs Sife, May 2017
We were delighted to welcome Donna Jacobs Sife, who dropped in on Christchurch on her return from the Southland Arts Festival circuit in May. Donna is an award-winning storyteller, educator, writer and social activist, and the programme director for Together for Humanity. Given the current situations we are facing in the world, Donna's offering of a workshop and performance was perfectly timed.
The workshop was quickly booked to capacity and the feedback was very positive. Donna tells her stories in a way that they touch every person in the room – the storyteller disappears and what is left is a clear and thought-provoking reflection of each person's own issues or situation. Throughout the workshop Donna gave many insghts into how story can be used in diverse communities to give everyone a voice. She generously announced that we could use anything we liked from the workshop - to take it and make it work for the good of the communities in which we live. |
Stories that heal and challenge
Donna's workshop, called 'Making a Difference – Telling Stories to Heal' explored practical techniques and how to work with story to help engage with diversity issues and develop an understanding of others. People attended from all sections of the commuinty from social workers to librarians, teachers, community develpment workers, writers, journalists and counsellors. Donna used personal anecdotes mixed with traditional tales to demonstrate how storytelling can connect, empower and heal.
Donna kindly followed up the workshop with an evening performance called 'The Elusive Nature of Justice' . It was a freezing night but a good crowd gathered in the elegant Hohepa Hall to hear a mixture of traditional, personal, sacred and wisdom tales that explored the trickster nature of justice. The stories were loved by all and we hope that Donna will return one day to tell us more from her repertoire of stories.
Donna kindly followed up the workshop with an evening performance called 'The Elusive Nature of Justice' . It was a freezing night but a good crowd gathered in the elegant Hohepa Hall to hear a mixture of traditional, personal, sacred and wisdom tales that explored the trickster nature of justice. The stories were loved by all and we hope that Donna will return one day to tell us more from her repertoire of stories.
Listen to extracts of Donna's CD by clicking on this link that will take you to her website: 'Living in Harmony' - Donna Jacobs Sife.
If you are keen, there may still be CDs available - enquire via The Story Collective's email or via our Facebook page. For a sneak peek at Donna in performance, follow this link: The Bat Story. |