Show: ‘The Story Gourd’

African tales, stories from around the world, songs, proverbs, poetry and improvisations by the storyteller and the audience… A gentle madness and a play on levels, all in the service of celebrating this coming together, a joyful bond with the audience!

“La Calebasse à Histoires” recaptures the spirit of the lively evening gatherings of yesteryear amongst the Attiés of Côte d’Ivoire, giving all participants an active role. Far removed from rigid, formulaic performances, “La Calebasse à Histoires” is a space of freedom that gives a voice back to stories and poems. They take their time to unfold, allowing us to savour all their richness and wisdom. It is a way of returning to the roots of the art of storytelling and thus rediscovering, in all its simplicity—with no other aim than to come together and share—the richness of the bonds that unite us in a spirit of conviviality and enthusiasm.

Hosting ‘La Calebasse à Histoires’ means helping to keep an eye on the source of storytelling and its art; it means keeping the spoken word alive; it means keeping the hearts of human beings beating.

Written and performed by Innocent Yapi.

Suitable for ages 12 and over.