The Importance of Storytelling

As I oscillate between my work and relaxation during these summer months, I find myself considering the value storytelling. As a theatre-maker, that is what I do through the medium of live performance. I tell stories. In my downtime, I find myself the consumer of stories; whether that is watching a television series, listening to music or just catching up with my flatmates over a cup of tea in the kitchen. Since the dawn of time people have been telling and listening to stories. The hunters of the tribe would re-enact the great kill and the others would watch in excitement while being warmed by the fire. Parents tell their babies stories from the very beginning of their life and even incorporate silly voices and sound effects to engage the child. Co-workers gather around the water cooler to review the happenings of their weekend. We tell stories. The format may be an epic novel or a 140 character Tweet. It may be delivered live or packaged to experience later. It may be an image or a musical phrase. No matter how we craft it, we have something to share. There is something to communicate.

Why? Why is this constant and ancient practice so important to us as humans? Why do we share our stories? And why do we listen to them? Communication, instruction, tradition, history. These words all make sense as to why we tell stories. But why do we consume them? What makes us go to the movies or read a book cover to cover? What makes us listen to albums and binge watch television series? What is happening to us when we can't turn it off or close the book?

We all have our favorite shows, characters and songs. There are those paintings or photographs that draw us in. Even fashion, architecture and landscape design can hook us. So, what is it we get from engaging with these stories? There is something about certain characters and their situations that feed into us something we need to experience. Maybe it is just laughter. Or the release of some intense emotion that is unlocked by dramatic plots. We are often educated by the stories that intrigue us. We can learn about past events or watch people navigate through problems similar to ones we face. Art very often holds up a mirror and we may need to take a look at the reflection. Good storytelling can lead us to epiphanies about our own thinking and inspire us to problem solve and explore. Stories have the power to transport us and release us. They are a prime vehicle in our evolution.

As I ponder the power of stories, I am reminded that the work we do in theatre is important.  If we do our jobs well, we have the potential to change lives. It may not always seem as revolutionary as other fields like medicine, science, politics and humanitarian aid. But with our storytelling, we can inspire those that operate in those spheres and we can speak to the individual spirit. And that individual spirit absolutely paramount.

I'll continue to philosophize on all this. In the meantime, enjoy these final days of summer and tune in next week for more musings!

Take care!
-m