The Dickens Project: looking back, looking forward

We’re all (hopefully) by now familiar with the them of this year’s SL10B Community Celebration: Looking Forward, Looking Back.

Well, the ideals of the theme aren’t restricted to just SL10BCC.

The Dickens Project, December 2012
The Dickens Project, December 2012

In December 2012, as  part of festivities which took place around the world to mark the Dickens Bicentenary Year, the folk at Storyfests SL organised The Dickens Project.  This was a 13-day celebration of Dickens’ work, primarily focused on A Christmas Carol, but which included selections from other novels and short stories.

During the 13 days of the event, some 20 hours of readings and performances took place, featuring an international cast in a purpose-built themed environment in Second Life which not only reproduced the world of Dickens’ novels, but which provided a number of levels of interaction for visitors and audiences, allowing them to immerse themselves in the environment and discover more about Dickens, his life and works, and the era in which he lived.

The Dickens Project, 2012
The Dickens Project, 2012

The concept provided a further means of demonstrating the interactive, immersive possibilities virtual environments have for storytelling and discovery on a global level.

Now, as a part of a broader project, Judith Cullen (Caledonia Skytower in SL), one of the prime movers behind The Dickens Project, has put together a short video looking back at the project before looking towards the possible future expansion of the concept of immersive storytelling.

It’s a fascinating insight, both from a historical standpoint looking back at the Project itself, and the potential for future developments with the overall theme.

Related Links

A festival of tales, and stories from time and space

It’s another special week for storytelling in voice this week, both at the Seanchai Library SL and with Storyfest 2013, taking place on Sunday 24th March at Bran.

As always, all times SLT, and unless otherwise stated, events will be held on the Seanchai Library’s home on Imagination Island.

Sunday March 24th, 09:00-17:00: Storyfest 2013 at Bran

storyfest-3Storyfest 2013 arrives a Bran on Sunday, March 24th, and with it comes a host of storytellers with tales to delight and enthrall.

This year marks the third anniversary for this one-day event, presented by Branwen Arts and Stories Unlimited.

Feturing a host of stories from many of SL’s top Voice performers, Storyfest 2013 kicks-of at the Story Circle in Bran at 09:00, running through until 17:00 and includes a special performance of ACCEPT by the independent Ballet Company, staged at the Branwen Arts Center Theater with music and story on stream.

Find out more here, or by visiting the Storyfest SL blog.

Monday March 25th, 19:00: Reflections from the Golden Wheel

Join Caledonia Skytower, as she reads from her about-to-be-released RL publication, Reflections from The Golden Wheel.

Tuesday, March 26th, 19:00: Fairies! Fairies! Fairies with Faerie!!!

With Faerie Maven-Pralou.

Wednesday 27th March, 19:00: A Newbery Zoo

Martin Greenberg brings together a dozen stories by Newbery Award-winning authors.

Animals — enter their magic kingdom. From cuddly puppies to ferocious lions and every beast in between, children are forever drawn to animals and to stories about their adventures. And who better to tell these stories than authors who have won the John Newbery Medal for distinguished contributions to literature for children, as read by Gina Pralou-Maven.

Thursday March 28th, 19:00: Hilo Tales

TimegatesEdited by Gardner R. Dozois and Jack Dann, Timesgates is an anthology of twelve dimension-shattering tales of time travel.

Featuring John Varley, Ursula K. LeGuin, Joe Haldeman, Avram Davidson, Damon Knight, Nancy Kress, R.A. Lafferty, Jack McDevitt, Bridget McKenna, Richard McKenna, Charles Sheffield, and James Tiptree, Jr. These stories take readers from everyday reality into the infinite vistas of time and space — as far as the man can reach.

Join Shandon Loring as he brings these tales to life.

Please check with the Seanchai Library SL’s blog for updates and additions to the week’s schedule.

In March and April Seanchai are inviting library guests to join them in supporting their featured real world charity Project Children! Have questions? IM or notecard Caledonia Skytower.

Related Links

It’s a feast of stories at Storyfest!

storyfest-3Storyfest 2013 arrives a Bran on Sunday, March 24th, and with it comes a host of storytellers with tales to delight and enthrall.

This year marks the third anniversary for this one-day event, presented by Branwen Arts and Stories Unlimited.

“Stories help us feel connect and unique all at the same time.  They can provide both the questions you want, and the answers you seek,” Says Caledonia Skytower, one of the organisers of the event, “At their very core, they delight and inspire.  There’s a mushroom or a rustic bench waiting for you!”

The even will kick-off at the Story Circle in Bran at 09:00 SLT, and all donations made during the course of the day’s events will benefit War Child North America.

Event Schedule

Please refer to the Storyfests SL blog for any last-minute revisions. All times SLT.

09:00 – Lycanthia Wolfhunter

Lycanthia-WolfhunterLycanthia will be presenting her own original works, some of which may comprise Adult content.

“Once you have heard one of Lycanthia Wolfhunter’s original stories, you never quite forget it.  They are gruesome, sensual, and posses a righteous sense of justice that is delightfully unique. Today she will be presenting mixture of Gothic, humorous, and slightly off the wall erotica.”

10:00 – Dubhna Rhiadra & Caledonia Skytower

Dubhna-CaleDubhna and Cale present Granny Weatherwax ~ Equal Rites.

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld is soaked in magic – but even with magic there are rules. The most fundamental rule is that women can’t be wizards. They can be witches, but that’s different. When a dying wizard seeks out what he thinks is the birth of an eighth son of an eighth son to pass on his wizard’s staff, this rule is broken, and his staff passes to a girl, Eskarina. Granny Weatherwax has the job of helping her find her way in the world of magic.

11:00 – Em Jannings

Em-JanningsEm reads from James Joyce’s Araby &  Ernest Hemingway’s Soldier’s Home.

“Joyce’s Araby, written in 1914, immerses the reader  in the drab life that people live on North Richmond Street, which seems to be illuminated only by the verve and imagination of the children.  Even though the conditions of this neighborhood leave much to be desired, the children’s play is infused with their almost magical way of perceiving the world 

“In Soldier’s Home, Hemingway explores the experience of one veteran of WWI, returning to his Kansas home and trying to express himself to his friends and neighbors who are not of a mind to listen – even to the truth.”

11:30 Crap Mariner

CrapCrap brings us more of his fabulous 100-word stories.

“Long ago, he swore an oath to write a 100 word story every day until the day he died. He’s not dead yet.Always unpredictable and irreverent, no subject is too sacred, no cow too holy for Crap not to pull it out, examine it, and bang it on the table a few times before putting it back where he found it – albeit slightly crumpled.  He’s a man with a mission!”

Midday – Gyro Muggins

gyroMy Object All Sublime by Poul Anderson (as published in 1961 in Galaxy Magazine)

“Gyro once again brings us another gem from his vast collection of superb classic Science Fiction: One quiet night, two businessmen discuss crime and punishment, as it might have already occurred in some very far future.”

This reading should last approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by a 30-minute intermission.

13:00ACCEPT

Accept posterA special presentation of ACCEPT, by the independent Ballet Company, staged at the Branwen Arts Center Theater – Music and Story on Stream.

“In ACCEPT, four young women struggle with their sense of self and their place in the world around them.  They are united by one thing – their love of dance.  ACCEPT follows the journey of these young ladies as they are each uniquely challenged, and as they come together. They learn lessons of tolerance, compassion, and empathy as they come of age as dancers, and as women.”

14:00 – Lani/Kaikalani

laniLani presents Island Tales.

“Lani (Kaikilani) is a native Hawaiian Writer and Storyteller and was among the very first live presenter of stories in Second Life in her first avi, Lehua Lamington in 2005. She will present stories/chant/poetry which will include her native legends, and stories written by others and herself. Her rich voice adds depth and vibrancy to tales rich in her culture’s heritage and traditions.  She has traveled widely, bringing Story to many countries. There is always something new to discover with one of Lani’s stories … they find their way to your soul.”

15:00 – Freda Frostbite

FredaFreda read from her work in progress Adventures of a Fat Lady Who Sings

“Freda Frostbite is Stephanie Mesler in The solid world.  A life long person of size, she will read from her work in progress: Adventures of a Fat Lady Who Sings.   Ms. Mesler has no clue what this work will turn out to be, but the stories here have demanded to be told.  What can an author do but heed the inner voice?”

15:30 – BigRed Coyote

BigredBigRed brings us St Lucy’s School for Girls Raised by Wolves

“From a collection of short stories by author Karen Russell,  we are introduced to the ghostly and magical world of the Florida Everglades.  Here wolf-like girls are reformed nuns, a family makes their living wrestling alligators in a theme park, and little girls sail away on crab shells.

“Big Red presents the title story: The story of one class of wolf girls sent  by their parents to a school run by nuns.”

16:00 – Singh Albatros

singhSelected Original Works

“Join Singh for a feast of his best recent short international fiction from Britain, America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Some titles include:  The Upside Down Cartographer, Tea Cup, Loving the Mustard Goddess, The Boy Who Would be Bird, Welcome to Geekosity, Dinner Party Wars, Wordscape with Ganja, Letters to the Emperor, Heard it Through the Pumpkinvine, Singing the Black Dog, followed by The Nutmeg Saga, the poetic narrative of a lost Javanese king who returns to tell his story. Singh reads, sings, plays music and adds effects to lend more ambience to each unique tale.”

About Storyfest SL

StoryFest Events produces four annual festival events on the Second Life grid: StoryFest (March), Bard on the Virtual Beach (August), BOOFest (October), and recently debuted  The Dickens Project (December) in the hopes of making it an annual event.

ALL Presentations are Live in Voice, unless otherwise noted.

Related Links

Giving Voice to five years of storytelling & readying a festival

It’s  a very special week at the Seanchai Library SL. Things kick-off with a celebration of five years of fabulous story-telling, and continue through the week with celebrations marking St. Patrick’s Day and stories from around the world. This week also sees the final preparations for Storyfest SL’s upcoming Third Annual Storyfests event at Bran, and the preliminary schedule is here!

As always, all times SLT, and unless otherwise stated, events will be held on the Seanchai Library’s home on Imagination Island.

Sunday March 17th

12:00 Midday – The Birthday Bash

Seanchai Birthday BannerIt has been an amazing journey of 5 years since Derry McMahon opened the West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, and Shandon Loring told the very first story.  Here we are, five years later with hundreds of stories told by dozens of storytellers, and thousands of dollars raised for worthy charities all over the world!  What a wild ride!

Come join Shandon and Derry, along with Caledonia Skytower, Dubhna Rhiadra, and Crap Mariner as we celebrate five wonderful years of brings stories to life in Second Life!

18:00: Magicland Storytime – More Irish Tales

Join Caledonia Skytower, as she kisses the Blarney Stone and brings to life more tales from the Emerald Isle to mark St. Patrick’s Day at Magicland Park.

Monday March 18th, 19:00: The Celtic Twilight

yeatsW.B. Yeats was not only a poet, he was a dedicated teller of Irish folklore.  In this collection, he brings together stories rooted in myth, occult mysteries, and belief in magic, populated by a lively cast of sorcerers, fairies, ghosts, and nature spirits. The title draws on those pre-dawn hours, when these “wee folk” were most abroad, and is also a reference to the time when Druids would perform their own rituals, something Yeats himself was also familiar with, as he was also a ceremonial magician and leader in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, one of the most important esoteric orders in the Western magical tradition.

“This handful of dreams,” as the author referred to the collection, first appeared in 1893, and consists of stories recounted Yeat’s friends, neighbours, and acquaintances, and faithfully transcribed and brought together in a volume which also includes Yeats’ own visionary experiences. Read by Caledonia Skytower.

Tuesday 19th March, 19:00: Island Tales

With Kaikalani (“Lani”) – see the Seanchai Library SL’s blog for updates on this event.

Wednesday 20th March, 19:00: A Newbery Zoo

Martin Greenberg brings together a dozen stories by Newbery Award-winning authors.

Animals — enter their magic kingdom. From cuddly puppies to ferocious lions and every beast in between, children are forever drawn to animals and to stories about their adventures. And who better to tell these stories than authors who have won the John Newbery Medal for distinguished contributions to literature for children, as read by Gina Pralou-Maven.

Thursday March 21st, 19:00: Hilo Tales

hilo“The charming legends associated with landmarks around the town of Hilo have been retold in words and pictures in this compilation of favorite stories. Included are “How Hilo Got Its Name”, “The Story of Coconut Island” and the Maui and Hina legends centering on Rainbow Falls and The Boiling Pots. For many years Frances Reed was a children’s librarian at the Hawaii County Library and used these tales in her story-telling hours. Jan Moon is a well-known Hilo artist and illustrator. Both women had lived in Hilo for 30 years when they worked together to create an enchanting book that will be enjoyed by both adults and children.” (Book jacket)

Join Shandon Loring as he brings these tales to life.

Please check with the Seanchai Library SL’s blog for updates and additions to the week’s schedule.

In March and April Seanchai are inviting library guests to join them in supporting their featured real world charity Project Children! Have questions? IM or notecard Caledonia Skytower.

Storyfest 2013 Update

storyfest-3Branwen Arts and Stories Unlimited will be hosting the Third Annual Storyfest event, to be held on Sunday 24th March, 2013 at Here Be Pictsies in Bran, commencing at 09:00 SLT and running through until 17:00 that day.

The preliminary line-up of artists has now been announced, but may be subject to change, so please make sure you check the Storyfests SL blog through the week for updates.

All times are, as always, SLT

  • 9:00am – Lycanthia Wolfhunter (1 hour)
  • 10:00am – Dubhna Rhiadra & Caledonia Skytower (1 hour)
  • 11:00am – Em Jannings (30 minutes)
  • 11:30am – BigRed Coyote (30 minutes)
  • Noon – Crap Mariner (30 minutes)

BREAK

  • 1:00pmACCEPT by Independent Ballet (1 hour in the Arts Center Theater)
  • 2:00pm – Lani/Kaikalani (1 hour)
  • 3:00pm – Freda Frostbite (30 minutes)
  • 3:30pm – Gyro Muggins (30 minutes)
  • 4:00pm – Singh Albatros (1 hour)

Related Links

Storyfest 3, 2013: performers come forth!

storyfest-3Branwen Arts and Stories Unlimited have announced a call for performers at the Third Annual Storyfest event, to be held on Sunday 24th March, 2013.

The aim of the event is to present a day of stories presented in a variety of live performance forms – traditional telling, readings, theatre, dance, and so on.

The event will be hosted at Here Be Pictsies in Bran, commencing at 10:00 SLT on Sunday 24th March, and running through until 17:00 that day.

Anyone who is currently presenting stories in Second Life in any manner of live performance (i.e. not pre-recorded readings / performances), are welcome – and encouraged – to apply. Performances should be timed to fit a 30 or 60 minute slot, although there are limited slots for more elaborate presentations. Multiple performers can share a single slot, so long as the organisers are aware of how many and who as a part of the application. Note that not stream will be available for individual performers.

The organisers are also seeking volunteer hosts to help organise and run the day’s events.

How To Apply

Those wishing to participate as either a performer or volunteer host should contact either Caledonia Skytower or Dubhna Rhiadra via notecard, giving their SL name and role (performer / host) they are interested. Those wishing to help with hosting should provide times at which they can be available on the day. Performers should also provide the following:

  • Length of slot required (30 or 60 minutes, or time or running time of presentation if seeking one of the limited slots for longer events)
  • An outline of your proposed performance / presentation, including technical requirements you require (e.h. prim count for props, etc.) – again, please note that no stream will be available for individual performers / presenters
  • If the persentation involves multiple performers, please supply the number / names
  • A reference to what and where you present on the grid at present.

All submissions should be received no later than midnight SLT on Monday 4th March, 2013. successful applicants will receive confirmation by Thursday 14th March, and a schedule for the event will be published at that time.

Additional Notes

  • The organizers reserve the right to review the performers submitting and accept those performances & performers that they feel best fit the goals of the festival
  • While performers are welcome to use the theme from this year’s World Storytelling Day (“Fate and Fortune”), which takes place on Wednesday March 20th, for their presentation / performance at Storyfest, the organisers of Storyfest wish to emphasise that performers need not restrict themselves to just that theme
  • Questions on the event should be addressed to Caledonia Skytower or Dubhna Rhiadra by notecard, as IMs do frequently get capped.

“Come in, come in! and know me better, man!” – Celebrate Charles Dickens with Storyfests SL

The Dickens Project - gates open on the 14th December
The Dickens Project – gates open on the 14th December

Friday 14th December will see the The Dickens Project open its gates for a two-week long celebration of Charles Dickens and his work as a part of the festivities which have been taking place around the world to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth.

The Dickens Project is being organised by Storyfests SL and will taken place on land donated to the project by the Community Virtual Library at their home region of Info Island. It will comprise daily presentations (in Voice) of Dickens’ seasonal classic, A Christmas Carol and encompass some of his other works in an inateractive, immersive setting.

The schedule, as it stood on Thursday December 13th is as follows – but please make sure you check for the latest details on the Storyfests blog.

The Dickens Project
The Dickens Project

Friday December 14th, 14:00

  • Caledonia Skytower presents The Opening Story!

Saturday December 15th, 17:00

  • Avatar Repertory Theatre presentation, adapted by Ada Radius (with Singing!)

Sunday December 16th – TBA

Monday December 17th Stave One ~ Marley’s Ghost

  • 12:00 noon – Ixmal Supermarine
  • 16:00 – Corwyn Allen

Tuesday, December 18th –  Stave Two ~ The First of Three Spirits

  • 12:00 noon – Dubhna Rhiadra
  • 17:00 – Brokali

Wednesday, December 19th – Stave Three ~ The Second of Three Spirits

  • 12:00 noon – Ixmal Supermarine
  • 17:00 – Kayden Oconnell

Thursday, December 20th – Stave Four ~ The Last of The Spirits

  • 12:00 noon – Dubhna Rhiadra
  • 17:00 – Caledonia Skytower

Friday December 21st – Stave Five ~ The End of It

  • 12:00 noon – Elrik Merlin
  • 19:00 – Shandon Loring & Caledonia Skytower

Saturday December 22nd – OTHER DICKENS! TBA

Sunday December 23rd and Monday December 24th

  • 15:00 – Caledonia Skytower reads the novella in two 90-minute sittings

Tuesday December 25th – CHRISTMAS DAY

Wednesday December 26th – OTHER DICKENS!

  • 12:00 noon – Klannex Northmead with a selection from Little Dorrit
  • 15:00 – Caledonia Skytower with a selection from Great Expectations

Thursday December 27th – Closing Day andAlternate Versions Presentations”

The Dickens Project
The Dickens Project – presentation stage

That’s not all!  There’s more!

As mentioned above, The Dickens Project site also features places to explore as part of the celebration. These allow you to:

  • Visit Scrooge & Marley’s, and the Poulterer’s Shop  (“You mean the one as big as me?”)
  • Enjoy roasted chestnuts on the street, or an apple or a candy stick from the Grocer’s Shop
  • Get the texts of the Staves of A Christmas Carol from the Bookseller and follow along with the readings
  • Enjoy three “Gardens” celebrating visual artists inspired by Dickens Christmas Classic: Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come
  • Explore the second level and enjoy the Galleries: Notable Scrooge’s, Dicken’s London, and of course The Works of Charles Dickens.  Don’t forget to click!  There’s links a plenty in the galleries, which is accessible through the Bookseller’s Shop or on either side of Scrooge & Marley’s

Ever wonder what inspired the creation of the character Ebenezer Scrooge?  Ever wonder why Dicken’s wrote “A Christmas Carol” and then followed it up with a Christmas novella a year for the next five years?  You can discover all these things at The Dickens Project!

The Dickens Project stands as a remarkable, immersive collaborative project, bringing to life the world of Srouge, Bob Cratchit and all in word and in all three dimensions. So come one, come all and enjoy a festive treat and celebrate the life and works of Charles Dickens and the power of great literature.

The Dickens Project
The Dickens Project

All gratuities received during the event will be donated to the Community Virtual Library in SL.

Related Links

The Dickens Project
The Dickens Project