Storyteller Brings Stories, Songs to Trinity: Photogallery

The drums begin to beat as Mama Edie Armstrong and two drummers march into the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre. Meanwhile, Trinity students and faculty clap along as the storyteller makes her way on stage.

This was the scene as Mama Edie began sharing Native American and African history through storytelling and song with about 150 audience members.

The storyteller used multiple character voices, dramatic movements, and songs to capture the emotion of the stories. Her performance included a legend telling how the tortoise got the cracks on its shell and a folktale about a man’s journey to find a fortune. 

“There are so many different ways to praise God,” said Mark Waller ’13 of Tucson, Arizona. “Mama Edie praises him through her extraordinary ability to tell stories that change the way people think.”

The event also included a storytelling workshop before the performance. Students learned about the art of storytelling with Mama Edie’s guidance.

Waller volunteered to share a story during the workshop after learning some techniques from Mama Edie.

“Telling the story in front of an audience and a professional storyteller was a thrilling experience,” Waller said. “Mama Edie taught me that storytelling requires relaxation and how the storyteller must build a relationship with the audience.”

Jarid Reiter ’14 of Addison, Illinois, also volunteered to tell a story and chose a biblical parable.  

“Trying to tell the parable of the lost sheep was scary because I thought I was going to mess up,” Reiter said. “After I was done, it was fulfilling to see I had impacted my peers in His good name as they clapped with acceptance.”

The event was sponsored by the Cultural Affairs Committee.