This Article first appeared in the summer 1998 edition of STORYLINES, the newsletter of the Society for Storytelling newsletter. It is posted here in order to open this email conference. If the text of Frankie Armstrong's talk becomes available that will also be posted
A burning issue emerged from the AGM at this year's gathering. Discussion of the Ballot on Traditional stories led to a well argued and passionate debate. Subsequently the AGM voted to 'have an open debate on traditional storytelling'. Judging by the enormous amount of energetic discussion which this issue created within the membership present at the AGM, the process of extended debate will do much to give the Society the focus and sharp edge that it needs.
But before we move too quickly into battle ranks to defend our respective corners I think we need to reflect on our own practice - to ask what it is that we do, why we do it and what we call it when we're doing it and then find out if others call it the same thing - in other words define some terms and offer these in some sort of public forum, asking perhaps at the same time "why have these issues become so contentious? "
If this debate is to achieve all it could for the SfS...
... then we need a period of time during which we consider defining our terms. For instance ...
What do we mean by tradition? What is tradition in relation to performance? In relation to story content? In relation to the contexts in which stories are told?
Frankie Armstrong's dazzling talk on the Sunday morning of the Gathering gave a historical perspective on the growth of the folk singing movement in this country and its relevance to the world of storytelling. She talked about the way in which she, Ewan McCall and others spent time listening to, watching, studying tapes of such brilliant traditional performers as Seamus Ennis in his playing, singing and storytelling. Their question was "What is it that these great traditional performers are doing?"
I think there's a lot to be gained from bringing this sort of perspective to bear on our case. It seems to me that we need to look to these sorts of experiences to help us develop our own ways of working. But the Society needs the views of all members. Through this year's forum we can all have a voice in debating what it is the Society stands for. Storylines itself offers a mouthpiece through the new format of 'guest editor'. If you have a view point you want to put, or if you know someone who is well equipped to put your viewpoint through the role of 'guest editor' in forthcoming editions contact Dave.
Let the debate continue.