Friday, 06 October 2023
St Peter’s Heritage Centre, Peterculter
7:00–9:00pm
On the first Friday of the month, Grampian Association of Storytellers (GAS) meet to share stories and poems in a fun, friendly, and welcoming space. Participants will find this a safe space to try out storytelling or just to listen to stories, all with a nice cup of tea or coffee and a wee biscuit at half time.
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
Sir Duncan Rice Library, Floor 2, Seminar Room 224
6:30–8:00pm
Iranian storyteller Zahra Afsah and Syrian storyteller Khloud Ereksousi use the traditional technique of pardeh-khani (narration through curtains) to interweave an ancient Persian tale with modern day stories, exploring how the key to freedom for many Iranian women lies in their own voices and talents.
Bennachie Speaks
Friday, 20 October 2023
Aberdeen Arts Centre, 33 King Street, Aberdeen
7:30–8:30pm
Musician Mairi McKeown and storyteller Ailsa Dixon weave legend and history with freshly composed music to explore the past, present, and future of Bennachie: from rock formations, 900-year-old love triangles, and the impact of climate change on its slopes. Through song and story, the mountain speaks.
The Promise
Tuesday, 24 October 2023
Sir Duncan Rice Library, Floor 7, Meeting Room 1
6:30–8:00pm
Inspired by interviews conducted with refugees, ‘The Promise’, presented by storyteller Anna Conomos and musician Rebecca Vučetić, centres on two best friends, one Greek, one Turkish, and the promise that unites them forever. This powerful performance is based around Greek tales, songs, and music from Asia Minor.
The Three Apprentices
Friday, 27 October 2023
St Peter’s Heritage Centre, Peterculter
7:00–9:00pm
Join Phyll McBain, David Pullar, and Cara Roberts as they share story magic with you. All three are Apprentice Storytellers with the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and all are bringing new voice to the North-East from the North-East.
Monday, 30 October 2023
Sir Duncan Rice Library, Floor 7, Meeting Room 1
6:30–8:00pm
Storytelling and animated film come together to bring the tales of Scotland’s Travelling People to life. The Two Ravens, produced by Christine Martin and animator John McGeoch, is a story of black magic, love, and the deep belief in goodness personified by the folk hero Jack, adapted from the telling of Duncan Williamson (1928–2007). Linda Williamson will complement the film telling stories from Duncan’s legacy and from their years under canvas with their two children, living in the traditional gelly camp.
First Friday Fling – Theme: Being Human and Beyond
Friday, 3 November 2023
St Peter’s Heritage Centre, Peterculter
7:00–9:00pm
On the first Friday of the month, Grampian Association of Storytellers (GAS) meet to share stories and poems in a fun, friendly, and welcoming space. Participants will find this a safe space to try out storytelling or just to listen to stories, all with a nice cup of tea or coffee and a wee biscuit at half time.
Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Sir Duncan Rice Library, Floor 7, Meeting Room 1
6:30–8:00pm
How did dogs come to live with humans and how many skyscrapers can one count on the Lagos skyline? The Nigerian saying, ‘Naija no dey carry last’ (Nigerians never finish last), is at the heart of Lola Dabiri’s storytelling. This evening of tales will begin by going all the way back to the traditional tales of Lola’s ancestors before moving on to stories that reflect the beating hearts of Nigerians around the world today.
Ballads and Stories
Friday, 17 November 2023
St Peter’s Heritage Centre, Peterculter
7:00–9:00pm
In partnership with Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA), GAS is delighted to be hosting an evening of stories and ballads. Join us around the fireplace, so to speak, and share in an evening of entertainment without radio, television, and social media.
Saturday, 18 November 2023
St Peter’s Heritage Centre, Peterculter
2:00–4:30pm
Led by Nicola Wright, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to dip your toes into creating stories around a heritage theme. If you’re a storyteller interested in heritage or you work or volunteer locally, this is a great opportunity to have a go.
Join storytellers Jackie Ross and Nicola Wright in celebrating World Toilet Day with GAS, all to raise money for the charity Toilet Twinning, which helps thousands of people across the world get access to clean water and sanitation. This is an evening of stories, quizzes, and fascinating historical facts about the necessary thing we all need to do – go to the loo.
Threads of Gold: Ancient Bulgarian Tales of Magic and Mystery
Tuesday, 21 November 2023
Sir Duncan Rice Library, Floor 2, Seminar Room 224
6:30–8:00pm
Born by the Black Sea and the Old Mountain, Nana Tomova is a Traditional Oral Storyteller who carries in her bones old Bulgarian stories: …A maid made gold by the river of magic for her gifts to the serpents and the snakes of the dark. A river of red birthed by the blade which sought the apple of gold. Whilst the dragoness wept for the earth and the rivers. Their blood shed to make a hero, their tears wept to soothe the earth…
Tales from the North-East and Beyond
Tuesday 28 November 2023
Sir Duncan Rice Library, Floor 2, Seminar Room 224
6:30–8:00pm
Talented and hilarious storyteller Phyll McBain will lead this exuberant evening of storytelling. Her Doric tales will explore anecdotes from her own life and the story of how she became a storyteller. Phyll will then invite up-and-coming tellers from around the North-East, who will share tales of real life and traditional tales with a modern twist.
