Proof of the Pudding

We are into grant writing season and to this end had asked one of our Perth audience members to write us a letter of support.  I am including his reponse because a) it warmed our hearts; b) it does confirm my final point in the Yes It Works blog; c) it speaks so vividly to what storytelling has to give the world and why we all of us are prepared to work so hard for it.  Here we go:

February 26, 2012

To whom it may concern:

The ancient art of storytelling seems to be experiencing a revival in recent years.  Beginning in the fall of last year, I’ve become acquainted with the work of 2wp (2 women productions) in bringing storytelling to Eastern Ontario.  I’ve attended 4 different performances during the last half year and I’ve been struck by the brilliant and unusual nature of all of them.  They have been variously haunting, mysterious, moving, hilarious, intelligent and thought-provoking.  Oh, and furthermore, I should also say inspiring.  These are shows where the mind is engaged and you must be ready to think.  The material is serious and entertaining, and very well-crafted, which I personally find a very refreshing change from much of the theatre in this area which tends to compromise art for the sake of entertainment.

In some cases, the stories are told by the two women themselves; in others, the storytellers are brought in by 2wp; and in one case, 2wp helped the storyteller write and develop the work.  What I find interesting is that various themes seem to run through all the performances, and I can’t help but think that this is the careful work of the two women.  Themes like valuing and preserving things ancient and traditional from the onslaught of modernity, celebrating the beauty and mystery of language and the struggle of the individual against oppression or discrimination.  The stories contain almost radical messages if you take the time to look for them.  So, I guess what I’m saying is that while each performance is a work of art in itself, there also seems to be an artistic continuity running through all the performances as an ensemble.

I have remarked to many people how lucky we are to be able to enjoy this high-calibre storytelling here in our small town.  The performances have been well-attended, which confirms my thought that there is a largely untapped pool of people here who are thirsty for this kind of intelligent, high-quality, moving and, I would say, “real” work.  People watch and, more importantly, listen spellbound.  And, on two occasions, at the end of the story there has been a kind of collective gasp of amazement.

Of course, I should add that this is something that just about everyone would enjoy – because just about everyone loves listening to stories.  To sum up, I want you to know that this storytelling project is something special and the efforts of 2wp deserve to be supported.

Sincerely,

Jim Bamber

And, yes, we do have Jim's permission to make his name known!