World Storytelling Day

In 1991, a Swedish holiday was born called Alle Berattres Dag, or "Everyone Tell a Story Day." With the maturation of the internet, storytellers networked across national borders and the holiday debuted internationally in 2003. And so began World Storytelling Day, falling on March 20, one of two days of the year when the sun traces its path along the equator. Key of See Storytellers, made up of veteran performing duo Larry Johnson and Elaine Wynne, were responsible for launching World Storytelling Day in the States. Their peace-themed celebration (on the 22nd; not the 20th proper) has a more relaxed atmosphere than many storytelling concerts. Both tellers and audience are encouraged to sit circle-style, and the floor is open to anyone. Several performances, though, are pre-planned to prime the crowd; be sure to listen for Wynne's retelling of Jane Yolen's "Silent Bianca" (a story, as Wynne describes it, of a snow maiden who transforms War). Johnson, a conscientious objector and medic in Vietnam, promises a new piece: the story of Hugh Thompson Jr., the American helicopter pilot who attempted to halt the My Lai massacre.
Sat., March 22, 7 p.m., 2008