A development initiative for South Asian Dance in the North West

StoryFest Responses

Story Fest 4 - Sunday 19th October 2006. Review by Will Pitcher

On a truly perishing autumnal afternoon, an oasis of warmth resonated in this small corner of inner-city Liverpool.
St. Agnes’ Church in Toxteth Park, L17, hosted Storyfest 4- presented by Chaturangan in conjunction with Liverpool Community Spirit – a celebration of Ethiopian song, dance, culture, and belief systems.

‘Three Little Birds’ – the story of poet, musician, and priest St Yared was engagingly told by recent local drama graduate Patrick Graham, and was interspersed with traditional songs of worship performed powerfully by the Ethiopian Orthodox Choir and Mergita Hadis, an Ethiopian Orthodox priest from London.

We watched and listened to ‘The Rhythm of Arayan’ (Zema Arayan) – ‘A heavenly Rhythm’, and a truly eclectic congregation was transfixed as the story unfolded of the three birds (the first green, the second yellow, and the third red – together forming the colours of the Ethiopian flag). At the climax of this riveting tale, the Ethiopian Orthodox Choir was introduced by Mergita Hadis and all present were captivated as we were treated to an evocative performance for both eye and ear; a celebration so full of verve and passion, dance and song, that the congregation increasingly started to participate; clapping in time with the drums. The choir, assembled here fortnightly from towns and cities across Northern England, charmed and inspired us, and the thick smell of incense made for an even more sensual experience. This impossibly impressive venue, with its breathtaking structure and acoustics was alive. Thanks must go to the host, Father Christopher Cook who has been in residence here since 2005.

At the culmination of this thoroughly absorbing event, we guests were invited to sample Ethiopian food and welcoming hospitality in the adjacent hall; delights ranged from salads, breads and a range of curries (the goat curry was particularly delectable!) to coffee, traditionally roasted in front of us and served as we sat cross-legged enjoying the aromas in this place. Meanwhile we all were given the opportunity to mix, and discuss what we had just witnessed; people of all ages, creeds, colours and religions obviously moved by the day’s events.

Further thanks must go to Bisakha Sarker of Chaturangan South Asian Dance Initiative, founder of Storyfest, and Dr. Matthew Thompson of Liverpool Community Spirit, widely travelled within Ethiopia, for bringing us such a stimulating event on this uninvitingly cold autumn afternoon, -truly keeping the home fires burning.

Story Fest 5

Hi Bisakha,

What a great day!

I felt that as soon as it got going it didn't matter how many people were there. These are the photos that I took. I have to send them from my colleague Maria's email because my computer is older and can't cope with so many photos!

Thank you for a lovely day, I really enjoy working with you and I hope you enjoy your lilly / lotus flower.

Warmest Wishes,

Caroline

National Wildflower Centre
Court Hey Park
Liverpool
L16 3NA

From: Young, Marie DHSC [mailto:Marie.Young@knowsley.gov.uk]
Sent: 30 November 2006 15:00
To: Bisakha Sarker
Subject: feedback

Hi Bisakha

Group members' comments

It was something completely different.

The exercises were new, they formed together to form a complete dance.

It was a very nice and interesting session

A beautiful and interesting lady.

Inspirational, encourages gentle mobility.

We learnt something of the culture of Bisakha’s homeland. How to use the movement of the dance to enhance our exercise class.

We learnt exercise that is disciplined is better than too vigorous movements.

We learnt a lot about the Indian dance movements.

Thank you for you input and for making the sessions so enjoyable.

As an instructor in chair based exercise it was interesting to see how your dance movements can be as beneficial as structured exercise.

It was really powerful for me to see older people who don’t normally get out of the chair in my classes getting up and moving around. You managed to have them moving around for longer keeping them interested and learning the moves using stories.

It made me look at my class from a different angle using slow, flowing movements the group found them easy to follow.

We now incorporate some of the moves in the exercise routine and the lead for these moves is taken by the members themselves. Most members now have the confidence to get out of the chair at each session.

Many Thanks and we wish you every success in your continued work.

Marie Young

IKAN TEAM MEMBER