"When I was born, I was born wise already."
                                                                                     Mr. Antonio Pereira
                                                                                         Storyteller,
                                                                                         Barreirinhas (MA)

Storytelling

The first storytelling event promoted by the Expedition Vaga Lume happened in São Jose do Couto, in March 2002.

"It was a moonlit night, around a campfire, with many children, young people and adults. Madam Cula told a lot of cases and legends of yore. The adults told how the Couto had arisen.
Since that day, there were many stories told by wise people . Mr Deodato, from the Chapada, said about the viola-de-cocho* and about the Siriri. Madam Sinfurosa of Pacaraima, told that she was the daughter of Macunaima**. Madam França, back in Ponte Alta, told how she came from Bahia upon a donkey’s back, following the rain of Goiás. Right next to her, Mr. Felipe told his tales, the kind of tales that is read on books, but he haven’t read them, just heard it and saved it. "

Storytelling activities can be made with or without the production of handmade books. Invite the elders to speak at schools, for example, is a wonderful activity. Spend time at their home, listening to stories from the past, is also wonderful. The storytellers are true guardians of popular culture.

Workshop production of handmade books

For the great admiration that the storytellers awaken, strengthened into Vaga Lume the work with orality and the willingness to produce handmade books, with the resources of schools or communities.
Held in conjunction with the training of mediators, the production workshop of handmade books has a starting point is the oral tradition and appreciation of local culture. In order to recover and value the narratives, the communities past and their storytellers, storytellers events are arranged to listen to the oldest residents. The participants record and illustrate the stories, producing handmade books that compose the collection of communitarian libraries.

*regional string guitar from Brazil
**Popular literary character, that ultimate represents Brazilian culture and language.