On Sunday 22 October 2023, our first storytelling group meeting was held at Tōia (Ōtāhuhu Library).
We had a cozy group of three and shared many stories ranging from the revival of a Māori instrument called kōauau, a childhood in the house where four generations shared, breadfruits and slavery, Pitcairn Islands ancestry, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Dr. Seuss, to a Japanese myth about how a rabbit ended up on the moon!
To me, the most exciting part was that we straightaway established a safe environment to open up, share and enjoy one another’s stories. Many, many more stories to follow!
The picture above was taken by one of the participants, Chris.
What an ingenuity to capture this special occasion with a polaroid camera! Unlike digital photos, this is the only copy that exists in the world. Isn’t that so beautiful?
There were a few other people who couldn’t make it on the day, but they sound really amazing, too! An aspiring comic book writer, a stand-up comedian, and a photographer/ artist!
I’m really looking forward to the next meeting!
Keep an eye out for the details for the next one here or on one of my SNS’s!
English Rakugo NZ 