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West African Drama. Storytelling. Telling a story in the oral tradition Older generations stored family histories in their memories and would recite them for younger generations Would provide entertainment and education. Methods of Storytelling.
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Storytelling • Telling a story in the oral tradition • Older generations stored family histories in their memories and would recite them for younger generations • Would provide entertainment and education Free PowerPoint template from www.brainybetty.com
Methods of Storytelling • In West African culture, there are several methods of storytelling • A storyteller invites the audience to gather around and hear the story • There is a set beginning and end • The audience is stationary (remain the same and don’t move away from the story) • Informal gatherings of friends and family • Someone begins to tell a “big ol’ lie” and tells a story to entertain the audience • People come and go Free PowerPoint template from www.brainybetty.com
Stylized verbal art • Found on street corners • Rap poems and slang • Contemporary slang Free PowerPoint template from www.brainybetty.com
West African Storytelling & History • Slaves from West Africa brought the art of storytelling with them • They were forbidden to read and write • They used the spoken word (storytelling) to pass on news, stories, and other information • Played a big role in helping slaves escape on the Underground Railroad Free PowerPoint template from www.brainybetty.com
West African Stories • Myths • Answer the question of “how” or “why” something came to be • Have supernatural beings and heroes • Revolve around nature • Example: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears • Trickster Tales • One character outsmarts the others • Popular version of West African trickster tales is Anansi the spider Free PowerPoint template from www.brainybetty.com