Everybody loves a good story, but only a select few have a real knack for telling them.
Experience an evening of sacred stories brimming with depth and humour as internationally renowned author and mythologist Dr. Martin Shaw presents 'The Tent of 7 Doors' at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on May 15 at 7 p.m.
"I'm excited, it's a beautiful venue with a great reputation," said Shaw. I'm bringing fairy tales I've never told in Canada before, that are new even to me. Those are the freshest and most informing experiences. Can't wait."
He has a PhD in the relationship between myth and initiation rites in the wilderness and lives in the far west of Britain. Some call the area the Celtic fringe.
"It's rich in folktales and every river is named, every hill and wood has a story," said Shaw. "I come from a storied landscape and I know hundreds of such tales, I'm also a wilderness rites of passage guide, hence the connection between story and place."
Shaw, who has taught at Stanford, Cambridge and Oxford and has had his own school for the past 25 years, will take audience members to a special place through his tale telling with an unforgettable descent into the traditions of both myth and poetry, as he opens door after door into the secret inheritance people never knew they had.
"I grew up in a storied house — no car, television or phone, just plenty of books and conversation," said Shaw. "So I would have been round the tradition for half a century and really got serious about telling and explicating story in the last 25 years. I've now written over 15 books. I love kids but my work has been for adults."
This is a family friendly event, however. Tickets are $30, and those of all ages will love Shaw's electrifying tale-telling as he combines rites of passage leadership, while at the helm of many ancient myths and folktales. His favourite part of is the involvement of the audience, and leaving each story to run wild in people's imaginations.
"I hope audience members take away the glee, the sorrow, amazement and all the joy that timeless myths and stories provide," said Shaw. "Some of the simpler tales they can take home and tell to a friend the next day."
