30 epic tellers present the life of the Persian hero Rostam from the Shahnameh at the West Vancouver Community Centre, May 2-4. For more details on the weekend visit vancouverstorytelling.org.
Triumph and tragedy, valiant heroes and heroines, magical birds, dangerous demons, starcrossed lovers: A thousand years ago the Persian poet Ferdowsi wrote the history of Iran from mythic times to the seventh century.
Ever since, Persians have been reading, reciting, and retelling the beloved stories of the hero Rostam and his horse Rakhsh. The Shahnameh has survived in homes, theatres, universities and coffee houses - and now Rostam's life comes alive in West Vancouver - in English.
On May 2-4 a group of 30 storytellers from Canada, Iran and the U.S. will tell the life of Rostam. Each teller takes a section to create a lively spoken quilt. We've been telling epics annually for 14 years, delighting in stories from around the planet. Listeners sink in deeply, entering another world. Between stories we eat and chat, strengthening friendships old and new.
The epic weekends have become a highlight of the storytelling year. Vancouverites from India, Africa, Finland and beyond have expressed surprise at hearing their stories in a new language. They are pleased that their young people can learn more about where they come from and that friends in Canada can get acquainted with their culture. Listeners and tellers explore a new kind of kinship with some of the cultures that make our region such a rewarding place to live.
A few years ago we told Persian stories and friendships developed within the Persian community. Some of us were influenced in life-changing ways.
Abegael Fisher-Lang found new outlets for her love of Persian poetry. I began studying the Farsi language, which has led to reading, hearing, and telling more stories.
I got to know Feloor Talebi, an expert on the Shahnameh. We spent many hours talking about stories from various parts of the world. I learned much about the depth of the Shahnameh's meaning, and its stunning relevance today.
Then she and her husband invited me on a trip to their homeland. A month in Iran introduced me to the landscapes of the story - so different from our West Coast. I got acquainted with friendly people, fabulous art and architecture, and a long and fascinating history.
Feloor Talebi says of this project, "When we bring these stories to the public in English, I feel I am standing on firm ground, feeling deep roots of a productive community. People see me as a person whose ancestors are heroes. We feel our strength and heart. We meet our neighbours in the present and with ancestral commonalities. It is rewarding for us and for humanity."
With the help of many people, we have put this weekend together, hoping to introduce the young and young at heart to one piece of Persian culture.
Costs to attend the sessions are as follows:
Friday. May 2 from 7 - 10 p.m. - $10, Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. - $35 includes Persian supper, Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. $10. For the whole weekend - $45. For supper reserve by April 28.
For further information and reservations contact Kira Van Deusen at [email protected] or visit sonic.net/~cfair/epic.html.
For more details on Van Deusen's trip to Iran visit kiravan.com/postcards_iran_ intro.html.
