Wairarapa Word and Wairarapa Library Service [WLS] have partnered to bring a slice of Wales [or Cymru in Welsh, pronounced ‘Kumry’] to Carterton this month.
Welsh folklorist, Peter Stevenson, will share his Tales from Wales, as well as his experience as a performer, writer and illustrator, at the Carterton Community Courthouse on Saturday, February 24.
In the first of two sessions, Stevenson, who has illustrated for Margaret Mahy, Gavin Bishop and Joy Cowley, among others, will present folktales for all ages taken from his two most recent books, Illustrated Welsh Folk Tales for Young and Old and Boggarts, Trolls and Tylwyth Teg.
“Peter has been called a ‘story encyclopaedia’ for the breadth of his knowledge and experience,” said Madeleine Slavick, founding coordinator of Wairarapa Word and assistant librarian at WLS. “We are happy to present Tales from Wales as our first programme of 2024. Entry is free and koha is welcome.”
Later in the afternoon, Stevenson will host a free storytelling workshop for adults.
“The workshop will explore the questions, where do stories come from? And how can oral stories be made into books?” Slavick said. “Peter will focus on migration stories, from Wales and the world. Participants are encouraged to bring along a story about migration and that can be either a real story or a work of the imagination.”
Slavick advised people to sign up for the workshop, as spaces are limited.
Stevenson published his first book, Play Mask Book: Little Red Riding Hood, in 1991 and has published a total of 17 titles.
He has published and performed around the world and describes himself as living in a “seaweedy town” on the west coast of Wales. He is in Wairarapa with Te Ao o Te Pūkeko [which translates as ‘the world of the pūkeko’] – an artists’ retreat established by local storyteller Gaye Sutton and her husband Michael.
Tales from Wales is part of a monthly public programme delivered by Wairarapa Word and WLS with support from the community.
To receive news about future programmes in your inbox, send a ‘sign me up’ email to [email protected].
Folktales for all ages begins at 2pm. No RSVP required. The storytelling workshop starts at 4pm and early sign-up is recommended.
To register your place, email [email protected]
