Storytelling as Performance Art Only Jody Hoelle, Storyteller

March 15th, 2004

The Many Uses of Storytelling

At one workshop I taught there were several students who were not interested in becoming polished professional storytellers, as is often the case. I have a background in theatre, and I bring that training to my "telling". But is it necessary for everyone to give a theatrical performance? NO!

Some of my students in that particular workshop, wanted to overcome their fear of standing up in front of an audience and speaking. Others were interested in using storytelling in their professions as psychotherapists. Towards that end, a dramatic, polished performance is not necessary, and, in fact, is inappropriate. I support my students in realizing their goals. I wasn't interested in helping these students to become a show biz phenomenon, but rather to be able to communicate with others in this type of setting in a way that WORKED FOR THEM. Remember, storytelling is an inner-directed artform..

Storytelling is a form of communication; each of us is unique in our expressions. Some tellers are low key and quiet in their presentations; others are dramatic as they flail about calling for our attention to the tale they are telling; yet others create an air of mystery and intrique. Who can say which is the RIGHT WAY!

The aforementioned workshop was six weeks in length, a total of twelve hours. I came to know my students. We developed a relationship. We bonded beautifully, and I came to know their aspirations about storytelling and the troublemakers in the group. (I remember one who impatiently looked at her watch and demanded that the other students hurry up so she could get home.) That is why when some "pros" in the audience approached my students, correcting them, telling them what they did "wrong", I was appalled...amazed at their arrogance. The intimacy of my classes is a special environment that has taken years of training to create. I jealously protect that intimacy and my students until they get their "land legs". It is disturbing to hear storytellers criticize other storytellers, and heaven knows, I have done it myself. Storytelling is an inner-directed artform; each of us has our own primary purpose, our own voice, with which to tell stories.

Unless a person seeks advice, we have no right to impose our "opinions" about their performance. There is a saying in Zen Buddhism...."either you accept someone as they are, or have nothing to do with them." Can we accept other storytellers are they are, or do we always feel the need to criticize, condemn, change, or just give our opinion? One teacher may work for some, but not for others. I have seen incredible results from my classes, but these results are not necessarily obvious to others.

One friend of mine insists he can tell a good teacher from a mediocre one, by the performances of the students. But how can that be? If one student is interested in learning storytelling to be a better trial attorney, another is interested in developing a deeper closeness with grandchildren, another wants to perform, another wants to use storytelling in the privacy of the therapist's office, or another wants to story-teach, by what standard do we judge their performance? Is there one standard? Did anyone ever hear Joseph Campbell tell a story? This friend of mine would surely have condemned him, and yet Campbell contributed so much to the world of storytelling and mythology. Context is important. Storytelling is an inner-directed artform. Let us not get caught up in the opinions of others. As long as we keep the focus on our own personal goals, how can we fail as storytellers? Let us stay focused on our individual primary purpose, whatever that may be. -Jody Hoelle (Professional Storyteller/Educator since 1983