Talkin Tales; interweaving history and motivational speaking

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

If storytelling is your thing and you want to be educated by a posse of storytellers of all kinds all in the same space, the event to attend is Talkin Tales. From poets, dancers to musicians and more. When? on February 8^th, 2020. Where? Ajax Community Centre, HMS Room, 75 Centennial Rd., Ajax, from 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Doors open at noon (12 pm) admission $5.00 individual and $15.00 for a family of four.

The list of performers for this event are as follows:

• Author/ Storytellers: Kesha Christie,Fiona Ellis, Adam Myrie, Elaine Robinson, Sashoya, Aisha Francis, Rakhee Neebar, Ken Bowen, Julie Thompson
• Poet/Spoken Word Artists: Brown Girl Diary, Shakkoi Hibbert, Safiya Airall Mason, Jan Alicia Jennings, Lamoi
• Entertainment/Creatives: Steven Laylor – MC, Rasmorgan, Deewani Dance Crew, Riddim Fit youth Dancers, Bro Negus

This Afro Caribbean Heritage event is in its second year and is an event that is geared towards the entire family with something for everyone including a vendor’s marketplace where folks can discover some of Durham Region’s locally established businesses. Not to mention a performance from the founder of Talkin Tales herself Kesha Christie.

Christie is an Afro-Caribbean Storyteller whose niche is Caribbean and African folklore, Aesop fables and original works. As an animated edutainer for all ages, she ignites the imagination and carries her audience on an amazing journey from tale to tale. Through her stories and workshops, she interweaves history and motivational speaking. With an emphasis on youth, her workshops teach communication and leadership skills and she also will be the recipient of the 2020 Hon. David C. Onley Award at this year’s 36th Annual Great Valentine Gala.

Christie is a member of Durham Storytellers, and Storytellers of Canada. In the Afro-Caribbean tradition, stories are meant to be told orally to preserve culture, demonstrate life lessons and promote unity.

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper had the privilege of speaking with this edutainer on the subject of Talkin Tales and more, Christie said, “As Caribbean people, there are two places where we learn initially: the first place is from the family storytelling and the second is at the market place where if you don’t know about something you can acquire that knowledge from someone there.”

“Talking Tales gives the visitor such an opportunity,” she said, “It is a place to learn, meet up with friends, try new products, and even advise on healthy living, as well as financial, advice.”

When asked how did Talkin Tales come about? Christie said, “I go around Durham mostly and the GTA sharing the older stories. I noticed that Durham had a lot of storytellers, but not a lot of them looked like me. I wanted to create a platform where we can do what we do, and in creating this platform I wanted to bring along with me and showcase the talent we have in Durham as well as the GTA.”

As to where she sees Talkin Tales going in the future, Christie told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “I want to continue to have this platform where young people, and up and coming artist, can share their gift and also take it on the road across the GTA.”

Speaking of sharing gifts, Christie was asked what does performing do for her? To which she answered, “As a storyteller, it is such a huge responsibility, because we are sharing the past, the present and the future, we are sharing what was, who we are and who we can be, so when I get up there I know that the story is mine to hold. The message must be given to the audience and as they respond to your delivery, you receive their connection.”

The Talking Tales founder also had some advice for the younger ones who would like to follow in her footsteps, “Stick with it. Not everyone will understand what you are doing. Not everyone will see your vision and if there isn’t a platform for you, create one. Connect with like-minded people and trust me, the support will come and eventually everything will work out great,”

More information on this event can be found at www.talkintales.ca