'Word Dancing, Creative Writing and Storytelling Workshop Retreat
with Shonaleigh Cumbers
Join us at Riverslea Retreat for a five-day introductory course on the Drut’syla method of storytelling. Shonaleigh is generously sharing her traditions, offering a course based on the hereditary training of Jewish women storytellers – the ability to 'midrash' a story is a practice handed down through the generations, knowing the stories within stories and how they connect and link to each other.
This is a rare and unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the life-affirming wisdom and joy of this method. The course is for anyone who uses narrative or stories as an inspiration in their practice. So that could include leaders, social workers, teachers, librarians, communicators and community workers as well as artists in any field, writers and storytellers. Through this course, you will gain an insight into an ancient Jewish tradition of storytelling that is infinitely practical, providing you with a deep understanding of how story works, and tools to work with story in an intricate and unique way. We will explore ways in which the Drut’syla’s methods and approaches can be adapted practically to any form of narrative use from creative writing and the contemporary arts to communicating your mission and engaging your audience/clients. Be ready to laugh, explore, create, gain new insights, learn, share and connect to your own wisdom and that of others. Shonaleigh's personable, vibrant and spontaneous style is sure to leave you inspired and ready to weave new stories of your own. What to bring? We invite you to come prepared with a piece of your own prose/ poetry or perhaps a traditional folk tale. Further details will be emailed to you nearer the course date. During this residential course, in the beautiful, tranquil setting of the Otaki Bush, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the course offerings and any tasks set by Shonaleigh without distractions. You will also have plenty of space for your own reflections and 'processing' of any insights. This is a treat for your creative soul – a chance to delve into the art and magic of storytelling. The cost will be inclusive of accommodation, meals and the fee for the workshop itself. If you have any questions about the course please contact us [email protected] The Story Collective are proud to be working with In the Belly of the Whale School of Storytelling to bring you this workshop. Above: The enchanting Riverslea Retreat, set in the beautiful Otaki Bush on the Kapiti Coast, Aotearoa.
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What people say about Shonaleigh…
"What makes Shonaleigh's workshops so special is that you don’t need to be a storyteller to learn from her – artists, authors, singers, doctors and more have taken part in Shonaleigh’s courses and learned ideas and ways of thinking that benefit their chosen field." ~ Tania "She has an integrity that comes from a deep-self knowledge and an embracing of life experience, so that her telling comes from the very centre of her being." ~ Jenny (Pukerua Bay)
"... my longing was to deepen my understanding of narrative and story, to embark on an inner journey within the oral tradition without the pressure of performance and to apply my learning to my own creative practice. Listening to [Shonaleigh's] stories one senses immediately their relevance to contemporary life but also the deep accumulated wisdom of generations of women who have told the stories before." ~ Deborah (England)
"As possibly the least experienced writer of those attending Shonaleigh's 5-day residential course, I was a little intimated at times but the support from Shonaleigh and the group as a whole was amazing. So glad I made this comparatively small (it was great value for money) investment in myself. I'm constantly seeing new ways that the tools I learned are helpful both my llife and in my work teaching health and wellbeing." ~ Judy (Christchurch)
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