Inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition and its sense of togetherness, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary tales, music and characters that bring both our traditional and contemporary culture to life.
Since its establishment in 1989, SISF has continued to evolve and grow, with record numbers now attending an array of performances, workshops, talks and children’s events from its home in the Scottish Storytelling Centre – the only purpose-built home for storytelling in the UK.
Celebrating its 36th year, this year’s programme, inspired by the traditional folklore, myths, and legends of Nordic culture, includes storytelling events for adults and families, workshops, exhibitions, and discussion events online. Under the theme ‘Lights of the North’, storytellers from Scotland will be joining storytellers from Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Iceland for an 11-day celebration.
Among the international storytellers taking part, are Hjörleifur Stefánsson who will present classic folk tales from Iceland; award-winning Swedish actor and storyteller Jerker Fahlström; nature writer and storyteller Georgiana Keable Jerstad and folktale performer Heidi Dahlsveen from Norway; storyteller and folk singer Anna-Maria Toivonen from Finland; and Suse Weisse from Germany, whose dark myths and fairytales include stories by authors such as Calvino and the Brothers Grimm.
Joining them, will be some of Scotland’s most celebrated storytellers, who will present new work themed on the Lights of the North, and their own twist on some classic tales.
The festival is also a key platform for showcasing Scotland’s intangible cultural heritage, which includes traditional songs, dances, storytelling, customs, local languages and rituals of everyday life, passed down through the generations. This year, storytelling traditions of Scotland’s Travelling Community will be represented in the programme with Jess Smith and Jimmy Williamson sharing well known tales. Plus, piper Gary West, hosts a live event celebrating the Traveller ballads and stories.
For younger audiences and families there’s a packed programme of events over the October school holidays.
This year’s workshop programme also looks at tips on telling stories, including using BSL in storytelling and how facial expression and movement can help bring a story to life; what music can add to stories; and the ethical considerations behind using recordings and archive material.
For more information and to view the full programme, visit Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
