A newly formed group of storytellers plan to inject a little bit of mischief into people’s lives this weekend.
The Nanaimo-based group StoryWomen will hold their first local performance of ‘Summer Mischief and other Stories of Passion’ on Sunday, June 23, at the Unitarian Hall.
Cindy Shantz, founder of the group, said the show will provide a mix of fun and poignant moments brought to the audience by three storytellers and one musician. She added that the title of the show is also a wink-and-nod to the "passion of the craft" rather than explicit romantic passion.
She and the other storytellers, Margaret Murphy and Rachel Muller, found each other in an existing storytelling group called Around Town Tellers. Pianist Valerie Turner joins the trio to play an eclectic range of music between stories.
Shantz said the act of live storytelling, the main reason why the get up on stage and face a crowd, is to inspire and connect with people.
"None of us are against technology," she said. "I can even see where AI is helpful at times ... But we do feel that personal connection of eye-to-eye contact, that kind of thing, is missing."
During the show, Shantz will tell two personal stories, one about an adventure in La Paz, Mexico, and the other about her first prom at 17 years old. Muller will recite non-personal created stories that “celebrate the whimsy and wonder of unexpected adventures.” And Murphy will tell one based on Vancouver Island and another about an inspirational woman who lived in Kenya.
After the Nanaimo performance, the group is hoping to tour the show when possible, and is considering venues on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Tickets for the 2:30 p.m. show on Sunday, June 23, can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.ca or at the door.