PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS STORYTELLING WITH MASK MAKING AND DANCE

I have run some very successful family storytelling workshops followed by choosing

a character from the story to make an African mask and then performing a masked dance at

the end of the workshop.

EXAMPLES OF FAMILY WORKSHOPS:

• North Devon respect Festival: Family story telling of Zambian story, mask making and performance. ………………………………………………………………………….9th Oct 2006
• Exeter Playdays: Family 2 sessions of Story telling and mask making and parading with masks made………………………………………................……… 12.00 – 4pm.. 24th June 2006, (This workshop will be repeated, by popular request this year on 24th June 2007)     
• Racial Equality Group, Plymouth, South Devon - one day of dance and mask making for children of various ethnic groups i.e. Chinese, African, Asian,European……………………………………………..3 Aug 2004

EXAMPLES OF WORKSHOPS IN SCHOOLS:

• Budehaven Community School – 'Celebrating Africa' - mask making year 8s (ages 12 – 13) 2 hours, & dance with GCSE year 10s (ages 14 – 15) for an hour plus evening performance………16th March 2007
• Primary School, Halwin School, Cornwall - African storytelling, mask making and dance with masks - reception to year 6 (ages 4 – 10)………………............................................... 21 June 2006
• Budehaven Community College 'Cultural Celebration' - African dance & mask making and evening performance with yr 7s (ages 11-12)……………............................................ 31 March 2006
• West Down Primary School, Braunton - One day of Dance, creating costume, mask making and dance performance. Years 1,2 & 3 aged 5 – 7………................................................ 5th Nov 2002

WORKSHOP TITLE

 

A ZAMBIAN STORY FOLLOWED BY MAKING A MASK

OR

AFRICAN MASK MAKING

 

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

I will talk of Africa, introduce Chinyanja, a language of the Chewa tribe of Zambia and Malawi, and

relate a Zambian animal legend with songs and dance in 15 minutes. The storytelling is optional, and

can be left out if workshop conditions do not require or have the appropriate quiet atmosphere for

storytelling. I will then ask family members to choose from a variety of templates representing a

character from the story, or if I do not tell a story, I will talk about African masks and why and how they are used at ceremonies and events. Each participant will choose a template from a variety of African

masks to cut out and decorate, using paint, glue and recycled materials such as cardboard, cereal packs,

wool, rope, toilet paper holds, buttons, feathers, fabric remnants, old socks, cotton reels, tissue and

newspapers.  Or, if particpants are old enough, and time permits, they can choose to design and cut out their own mask. Participants can parade and dance wearing their mask at the end of the session.

OUTCOMES

This is a fun family workshop designed to suit parents or adults with children in a warm, friendly and stimulating environment. The outcome is Family and community bonding, contributing to an understanding of African culture. The story will take participants to the hot, Zambian valleys, inspiring them to create an African mask to capture the spirits, which roam in the African bush.

SPACE

A large hut or marquee or hall with access to tables and chairs and also a tarpaulin for the floor would be desirable, for a total of 25 - 30 family participants at a time. Access to a water tap or large buckets of water are essential.

MATERIALS

I supply recycled materials, pencils, rubbers, paper, paints, paint pots, paint brushes, staples, glue guns and sticks, glue pots and spatulas, scissors, masking tape, staples and buckets at cost. Alternatively we can use materials from the school's or community's resources.

EQUIPMENT

Please supply a sink with running water or alternatively, water bins, a tarpaulin for floor work, tables, chairs, and space for hanging images and pre made masks.

PARTICIPANTS

All family members such as parents and children, or children with accompanied adults are welcome.All children under 16 must be accompanied by parents or adult carers.

FEES

Fees are negotiable, depending on requirements, number of hours/days required to complete the project.