Northern Tasmania was abuzz with readings, historical narratives and word craft at the 2022 Tasmanian Storytelling Festival. Jeremy Torr, founder and director, tells us more.

Over three days in 2022 from 12 to 14 August, this unique Tasmanian festival brought storytelling to a keen and involved audience of hundreds from across the island. Held at the Inveresk Tramsheds in Launceston, the Tasmanian Storytelling Festival showcased the art of storytelling in an accessible and welcoming format, reflecting Tasmania’s rich oral history.

“The idea behind the festival was simply to bring stories from all walks of life to people who just enjoy listening – and telling,” explained organiser Jeremy Torr.

This was the festival’s second year and built on the idea that stories should not be seen simply as performances to be viewed, but as a community activity. The organisers are adamant the festival is about participation – even if that only extends to having a pair of ears. “We are trying to take storytelling back to its roots; away from the idea that an audience pays, is passive, and just part of a one-way deal,” said Torr. “Everybody makes this festival. Everybody who has ears.”

The Friday night intro sessions included well known names and prize-winning tellers like Jim Brown, Moran Wiesel, Nick Clements and Annette Reed. Telling personal, gripping and eye-opening stories, they held the audience – and even a crew from Channel 7 who had come to see what all the excitement was about.

“It was amazing,” said one of the audiences. “It was like time had stopped when Nick told his story about Tongerlongeter. Brilliant.”

The next day, Saturday, saw regular workshop crowds of around 30 people all leaning forward to get the best advice on editing and story crafting from Adam Thomson and Mallika Naguran. Seasoned tellers such as Geraldine Gray and Jim Brown gave workshops on stage presence and performing.

Then, on Sunday, the open mike stage was prepared. Everybody and anybody came, resulting in several hours of first-time tellers – from 6 to 76 years old – rising to their own occasion and delivering some brilliant stories.

As seasoned TV presenter Jim noted during the wind-up session, “I’ve been to many paying events on the mainland where the quality was nowhere near as good as we’ve seen this weekend. This really is an amazing event!”

​​​Tasmanian Storytelling Festival 2023 will be held over 24-27 August in Launceston. For more information, go to https://www.storytellingtasmania.org or contact storytelling@storylocker.com.