One Last MLK Event in Cumberland

From the Falmouth Forecaster Valerie Tutson Professional storyteller to lead workshop, present ‘Stories from Black History’ CUMBERLAND – Everyone has a story to tell. A history of what shaped us. A legacy to those who follow us. A declaration of who we are, a spoken dream of where we’re headed, an affirmation to others that our lives matter. Professional storyteller Valerie Tutson will help adults and children as young as 5 delve into their own stories and will share her storytelling techniques in “Telling Our Stories,” an afternoon workshop on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Congregational Church on Main Street in Cumberland. In the evening, Tutson will perform “Stories from Black History,” tales of great black people from Africa and African American history. A graduate of Brown University, with a master’s degree in theater arts and a degree in a self-designed major, Storytelling as a Communications Art, Tutson has been telling stories and teaching the craft to others in many venues since 1991. Inspired by the diversity of cultures, she has collected stories and songs from all over the world. Some have been gleaned from her travels in South Africa and West Africa; others from African American history. In addition to her emphasis on African traditions, Tutson has received praise for her fresh retelling of Bible stories and received acclaim for her cable TV show in Rhode Island, “Cultural Tapestry.” With a long list of community activities to her credit, Tutson has also racked up awards and honors for her work. Diane Bennekamp, minister of Cumberland’s Congregational Church, has seen Tutson perform and has attended her workshops, some with as many as 60 or 70 participants. “She has such a wonderful, warm personal energy, you can’t be in her presence without being moved and energized,” Bennekamp said. Tutson’s program, originally scheduled for last March, was canceled due to snow. But Bennekamp believes the timing this year is better because of its proximity to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While she has no idea how many people to expect, she is confident Tutson will inspire workshop participants to learn to recognize their own stories and to be emboldened to share them with others. “Some people feel intimidated telling a story, but it’s a welcoming environment and that helps people open up,” Bennekamp said. Bennekamp said Tutson divides the workshop into small, mixed-age groups and leads them in exercises. When working with a wide range of ages, Bennekamp said Tutson may pull one willing participant out and work with him or her individually in front of the group. But there is never any pressure or intimidation and participants aren’t required to perform. The workshop, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public. Bennekamp recommends calling the church office in advance to register. Tutson’s program, “Stories from Black History,” also free of charge, will be held on the same date, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It will be preceded by a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. To register or for more information, call the church office at 829-3419. For more information on Valerie Tutson, visit her web site.