Bringing stories to life is what International storyteller Clare Murphy does best. Settle Stories caught up with Clare to see what inspires her, what you can expect from her upcoming free digital performance Story Cabaret and workshop Get Into the Story at Yorkshire Festival of Story and how she has adapted her work for a virtual audience.
How did your life as a storyteller begin?
I think it was in 2006 when I started a story club in a friend’s living room. Or perhaps it was in 2002 when a storyteller made me see how myth is made for the modern day, by ripping away the veil between worlds. Or perhaps it was in 1980 when I saw my Dad perform in a play on stage. Or maybe it was 1982 when I wrote my first book (three chapters long, about a whale). Or it might have been 2001 when a friend said the word: storytelling. Or it could have been….
What can the audience expect to see from your virtual performance?
The Storytelling Cabaret is a selection of some of my favourite tales from around the world, from death to demons to unusual wisdom stories. I’ll keep the stories short to suit the digital format, and happy to take questions (and maybe requests) from the audience.
How do the locations of events influence the stories that you tell?
Every location and every audience can significantly affect my stories. Being online I have had to find a way to tune into the global sensibilities of the audience to get a read on what stories will serve them best.
What is it about live storytelling that you enjoy the most?
The beautiful place where audience meets story meets performer, and how in that moment it is unique to that space and time. It will never happen that way again.
Do you have a favourite story?
Yes. My favourite story at the moment is one from Fearless Sisters by Kathleen Ragan. It is about a woman who goes up against a demon monster to save her daughter. She defeats him by flashing him and making him laugh so hard that he laughed out a river that sent them home to freedom.
How do you prepare for a show/performance?
I walk through my stories, I stretch and warm up my body and voice, I meditate my mind and heart into the place I am headed to. And I accept that anything can happen.
What attracted you to want to perform at this particular event?
Sita Brand’s wild and mystical energy that can make anything happen no matter the challenge.
Do you think that the stories you tell will appeal to families in particular?
These stories are a mix of stories, not aimed specifically at children, but I think kids (age 8+) might enjoy them.
How has the lockdown affected your storytelling techniques?
Lockdown has completely changed my techniques, as performing online to camera is a completely different process to performing live. I have had to learn and learn how to be in this medium.
BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE ON CLARE’S EVENTS HERE
Written by volunteer writer Liz Snell
