‘Every Object Has a Story’ Story Slam with Norah Dooley at ALMA

Storytelling with massmouth

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Award-winning author and storyteller Norah Dooley will lead an exciting workshop at the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) on Sat., Sept. 28 from 4-6 p.m. This workshop is open to all and funded in part by the Watertown Community Foundation and by Judith Saryan.

This workshop is open to all and funded in part by the Watertown Community Foundation and by Judith Saryan.

Participants will be coached by workshop leader Norah Dooley in learning the timeless art of storytelling. The session combines entertainment, listening to others tell their stories, and learning to tell one’s own story so others listen. The topic will be objects that have special meaning in individual’s lives. Participants are asked to bring their own object—an ordinary household item or a special heirloom, all are important.

One’s own material possessions may not have as many centuries of stories as those in ALMA, but they are nevertheless important. Such an object could be a piece of jewelry, a gift received, or something found that developed into a personal treasure. It could also be a favorite article of clothing, a picture, a photo, or a much used tool or pen. All of these tell a story about us, our times, and who we are.

The workshop begins with a short concert of stories by winners of massmouth (www.massmouth.org) story slams. After a short break for refreshments, participants will join in games and exercises designed to turn personal experiences into a story. The next step is optional, and involves turning a story into a performance. Finally, names will be drawn at random for people to tell a three to four-minute story, an exciting storyslam competition with everyone a winner.

Norah Dooley is “an entrancing storyteller” (Boston Globe), teacher/coach, frequent keynote speaker, and featured participant in the Christmas and Spring Revels and other festivals. Co-founder of massmouth and project director of StoriesLive, a curriculum-based, high school storytelling initiative, she is also an author and has created spoken word CDs.

The event is open to the public. A donation of $5 is appreciated. Refreshments will follow the program. For more information, contact ALMA by calling (617) 926-2562, ext 7 or e-mailing info@almainc.org. The Armenian Library and Museum of America is located at 65 Main St. in Watertown. Parking is available in the municipal lot behind ALMA.