What makes storytelling a MOJ - moment of joy
The Beyond Face team and our collective of associates are made up of a range of artists, each with their own unique method of performing their art, whether that be through poetry, dance, singing, acting and so on. It’s inspiring to see the way we have all found a means to tell a story, and it was at our Plymouth Open House listening to Krish and Anne talking about their parents that reminded us of the power of doing so. Simply by just sitting down with a friend, relative or stranger and telling a story. Whether that’s over a sunday dinner, chatting with your taxi driver on route to your destination or over the phone. It’s those impromptu moments listening to someone else describe to you who was involved, what was said or how they felt that often reminds us of the precious moments and joys (MoJ) of shared human connection.
I know it can often feel easier to go the day without doing so, especially when we’re caught up with working. But we hope this post reminds you of that warm feeling when someone entrusts you with a story, perhaps even loaning it to you to share the moral or catch-phrase with the next person. That storyteller has made a decision to pass over a bit of themselves to you, in the hopes that you would receive it as merrily as they did telling it. And vice versa, it feels great to be heard! At the end of the day we all want to be listened to, and there’s nothing weird or embarrassing about it. It’s satisfying to watch the range of emotions, smiles of entertainment, chuckles of glee and gasps as we lead our own listeners through our stories, watching them eager to respond or ask questions.
So as we enter the Autumn / Winter period let’s make the season of cold weather (bar this last minute heatwave) seem a bit cosier by taking more time to connect with people around us through storytelling. Perhaps we can pay stories forward? If someone sharing a story with you was a MOJ, can you then create that moment with someone else?
If you’re in the mood for an evening of stories, then come along to our second Open House event of the year in Bristol! It will be taking place at Tobacco Factory Theatres on Saturday 14th October from 7pm. Hear more about our various offers and settle in for some live performances from local global majority artists.
Happy story-telling and listening!
Tamera
