On the last Thursday of every month we meet up and six storytellers share their tales in front of a live audience.
Last month Sudeshna Choudhury told an inspiring and poignant story about the little things that can have huge effects on others and on the world. She felt inspired to write to our hosts – Laurel Lefkow and James Richardson – about her experience on the So, This Is What Happened… stage.
Dear Laurel and James,
Thanks very much to both of you for inviting me and organising such a wonderful event – you are both truly the quiet unsung heroes of the storytelling story!
I absolutely loved my first Omnibus storytelling event! It was a super evening and every one of the amazing storytellers were so different with a different style, yet gave us so much insight into their world and charmed us with their unique stories. There was a whole world covered within the six stories!
The venue and audience were all delightful and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my story and so glad everyone liked it! I loved all the other stories and thought my fellow storytellers were courageous and generous and such fun! And I thank each one of them for making this an evening to remember!
I hope to see you all soon again and enjoy listening and telling more stories. I really believe proper true storytelling is an endangered species and is only slowly recovering thanks to dedicated storytelling lovers like you.
I think storytelling as an artform is not as appreciated enough, as it should be, considering it to be totally vital in our society to keep us human and connected to ourselves and others, create goodwill and love, and a wonderful source of guidance, insight, wisdom, inspiration and fun!
Think of Thomas’ deep and humorous insights into the fascinating world of law and its ethics which he experienced and battled with, Juliette’s family world of love and connection to the outside world by being less rich and trusting the universe to provide, Frederick’s humorous but very insightful world into humans being neither too bad or too good and guidance for life from unorthodox sources in a world of stag parties, banking and bank robbers, and Yaron’s moving account of his battle to understand and overcome the human condition of depression with wisdom, patience and love that is inspiring in his triumph over it. Mine was of course about the positive domino effect of proactive encouragement and praise to change people’s lives for the better globally or locally from our little corners of our worlds.
Storytelling is also important in how it connects the younger generations to the older ones especially in learning the stories of their families’ history.
Or indeed of the world of the older generations (like in Roddy’s fascinating story of the ordinary people in Estonia during the upheaval of USSR at important historical moments, but which was also about the indefatigable human spirit and hope in difficult times). So storytelling must continue to be encouraged and fresh air blown through the small fire sticks that are our current storytelling efforts till it becomes a big cheerful crackling fire to keep everyone going!
Good luck in all your endeavours and naturally I bless you all for your wonderful storytelling efforts ongoing!
Sudeshna x
Next month’s So, This Is What Happened… is on Thu 24 November.
Interested in telling your story? Get in touch: enquiries@omnibus-clapham.org
