Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
The next all-ages virtual performance of the Stillwater Public Library’s “NEA Virtual Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales” will feature storytelling by DWe Williams. The program will take place via Facebook Live on Tuesday, July 13, at 2 p.m. The show, “Animals Tell the Tales,” will also be recorded and can be viewed on the library’s YouTube channel for one week following the program.
Williams is a lifelong master teaching storyteller and producing director of “Rhythmically Speaking,” a diverse theatre company. As a member of the Oklahoma Arts Council’s teaching and performing roster, she has been telling stories and teaching for over 30 years. Williams has traveled the country, pulling each new audience into her stories by tapping into her theatre experience.
Williams hopes every attendee of her program enjoys the animal stories and learns something from them.
“The stories are meant to entertain,” Williams said. “But, also, in the tradition of the African Griot, animals are given human qualities to help us learn to work together, solve problems, answer mysteries, share culture and learn history.”
Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Murray is excited to have Williams perform for the Stillwater community as she is a notable Oklahoman storyteller.
“This summer, we’ve been able to virtually bring in performers from across the country, but we couldn’t go the whole summer without having at least one of our wonderful Oklahoma artists present a program,” Murray said. “We’re excited to have DWe perform for us!”
“Animals Tell the Tales” has been created specifically by Williams for this summer reading’s theme of animals. By the end of the show, viewers will learn stories that explain why the turtle has cracks on its back, why wisdom is to be shared and how stories came to earth.
Williams believes that storytelling is an essential part of our lives. “We learn, see and hear who we are through the stories we tell. We all are storytellers,” Williams said.
The library’s summer reading program is nearing its end, but there are still Broadway dance classes next week for kids and teens, plus everyone still has time to track reading minutes for prizes and grand prize drawing entries!
Get more information about the library’s summer reading program at http://library.stillwater.org/summer_@_your_library.php.
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). To find out more about how NEA grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
