“I once asked an Aboriginal woman in Australia how we differed from the animals. She replied, 'Why mate, we are the ones who can tell the stories about all the others.' The luminous Diane Wolkstein is such a one, a boon to humanity in that she is one of the greatest tellers of stories of this or any time.”
— Parabola
DIANE’S CURRENT REPERTOIRE:
ELSIE PIDDOCK SKIPS IN HER SLEEP
30 - 45 minutes
Elsie Piddock skips to save the land for her community. A story of commitment, passion, and deep ecology with audience participation.
The High Skip, The Sly Skip, The Skip like a Feather;
The Long Skip, The Strong Skip, The Skip All Together.
For over 30 years, in September, Diane has been telling "Elsie Piddock" at the Statue of Hans Christian Andersen in Central Park. A joyous skip roping contest, open to all ages, follows the telling.
Bible. 30 - 40 minutes
A young Jewish orphan is chosen to be queen by the King of Persia. At a certain moment she must choose between her life and the lives of her people. A story of humor, courage and wisdom.
FAIRY TALES BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN
30 - 90 minutes
Hans Christian Andersen's tales are witty and poignant for ages six and up.
At left, Diane telling one of her favorite Andersen stories "Hans Clodhopper":
"Hans jumped on his billygoat. It was his own and strong enough to carry him."
Inanna — the Great Goddess of love, war, and fertility; Ruth — Woman of compassion, fertility; Judith — Warrior; Esther — Queen of Love and War.
Each presentation interweaves story and context, with a discussion to follow.
from the books The Magic Orange Tree, Bouki Dances the Kokioko, and The Banza
30 - 60 minutes
Evocative, poignant stories for all ages which elicit participation and empathy — stories about how we live together in a community.
Watch a DVD excerpt on how Diane brought these stories from Haiti
to the rest of the world...
Bible. 35 minutes
Hannah disregards her co-wife's tormentings, her husband's misunderstanding, and the priest's disdain to ask for her heart's desire: a child who will be a righteous leader to guide the people. A moving, tender tale of intention and commitment.
30 - 90 minutes
These stories are peopled with princesses, clay–diggers, water–carriers, schleppers, and hidden wise ones. They are stories of spiritual renewal, blessing, and transformation that are suitable for all audiences.
Watch Diane tell the story of “The Master Thief,” from
the DVD Celebrating Our Mistakes...
Mesopotamian. 30 - 90 minutes
The 5,000 year–old epic of the goddess Inanna's courtship, queenship, descent into the underworld and rebirth.
With Geoffrey Gordon, accompanist.
Learn more about Inanna and watch an excerpt...
Bible. 30 - 60 minutes
Joseph passes from dreamer to man of action, from slave to governor of Egypt, and from arrogant son to the one who rebinds and reunites the family. A story of reconciliation.
JUDITH
Apocrypha. 30 - 45 minutes
Every country between Babylon and Israel surrenders to Nebuchadnezzar's army of 170,000 soldiers. Judea is also ready to surrender. Judith finds a way to save her people. The story invites discussion concerning devotion, violence, and courage.
Arabic/Persian. 30 - 60 minutes
As a child, Majnun ("madman") gives his heart to Layla ("night"), defying his tribal obligations. After a time, his devotion to Layla becomes devotion to the One. This most passionate eleventh—century Persian love story is as well known in the Arabic world as Romeo and Juliet. Especially appreciated by college freshman.
China. 30 - 120 minutes
Monkey King seeks immortality in his first journey. In his second, he and the Tang priest, Tripitaka, travel to India to bring the Buddhist scriptures back to China.
Visit the Monkey King Epic website
Bible. 30 - 60 minutes
Moses leads the Hebrew people from slavery to freedom. Moses represents the potential in each of us to be called by a new vision.
Latin. 30 - 60 minutes
The princess Psyche has everything: beauty, adoration, fame. When she loses her beloved, she must confront Aphrodite, her dire enemy, who sets for her four seemingly impossible tasks.
C.G. Jung considered this the seminal myth in Western civilization.
Bible. 30 - 40 minutes
Courageous and devoted, Ruth, the Moabite, gives up her land, parents, and religion to be with her mother–in–law Naomi. Ruth, the supposed enemy, redeems Judah. The most compassionate story in the Bible.
Watch Diane tell an excerpt from the story of Ruth...
India/Hindu. 35 minutes
A breathtakingly tender seventh—century Hindu love story about the gods, passion, and compassion.
SONG OF SONGS
Bible. 30 - 40 minutes
Biblical love poetry of delight, mystery and longing.
30 - 60 minutes
Stories from countries about the trickster who tricks us into finding our true potential.
30 - 60 minutes
Stories with commentary and audience participation and discussion for all ages.
©2000-2010 Diane Wolkstein / Cloudstone Productions, New York City. All rights are reserved.
Photo by Dith Pran
"It is a naked business, that of the storyteller. Despite the time and care that I might take in choosing my clothes or stories, once the story begins, there is not much protection. The work of the storyteller, as I have come to understand it, is to express the spirit, and that means full exposure. Whatever story I tell, it is an expression of who I am and my intention to bring understanding and courage that we each may live the potential of our spirit. The seed for storytelling was planted in my childhood. My mother told me stories at night. The Rabbi at the neighborhood synagogue told short, pithy stories. The stories my mother told were entertaining and reassuring; the Rabbi's stories were riveting. What to do when two people are in the desert and there is only water enough for one? Why are we here? Is there a purpose given to each of us?"
Repertoire | Endorsements
