World Storytelling Day Celebrated At Sharjah Institute For Heritage With Engaging Performances And Discussions

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage recently hosted "World Storytelling Day," an event celebrating storytelling's cultural significance. This gathering highlighted storytelling as a tradition that unites people and bridges generational gaps. Esteemed guests like Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Marwa Al Aqroubi, and Professor Amira Bu Kadra attended, along with many heritage enthusiasts.

Al Musallam emphasised storytelling's enduring importance, describing it as the memory of nations that connects people across time. He stated, "Our celebration of World Storytelling Day showcases our commitment to preserving oral traditions and sharing them in new and creative ways that keep them relevant while staying true to their roots. This allows storytelling to continue being a source of inspiration and knowledge for future generations."

Israa Al Mulla, Director of the International Storytelling School, underscored storytelling's educational value. She believes stories are more than entertainment; they foster connection and communication. She stated, "At the International Storytelling School, we think stories are one of the best ways to share our heritage, wisdom, and values. They can spark our imagination, boost our critical thinking, and create spaces where people can talk and understand each other better."

The event featured captivating performances by children from the "Pearls and Jewels of Tales" programme. Their theatrical display illustrated how storytelling can convey social values and historical connections through engaging narratives.

The programme included two discussions on storytelling's role in preserving cultural traditions. The first focused on how stories help us remember heritage and share experiences over time. The second was an interactive session where children engaged with a storyteller.

Storyteller Mohammed Al Mansouri shared tales from our heritage that combined lessons with entertainment. His stories revived the charm of old gatherings where wisdom was passed down through engaging narratives.

New Initiatives for Storytelling

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage introduced the "Tales Association," a platform to promote storytelling art. It aims to keep these traditions alive by providing a space for storytellers, researchers, and enthusiasts to celebrate this cultural aspect.

The event concluded with educational workshops and artistic activities designed to enhance participants' storytelling skills. These sessions offered insights into various techniques, allowing attendees to refine their abilities in this timeless art form.

With inputs from WAM