There will still be stories at the Statue of Hans Christian Andersen in New York’s Central Park — the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center has posted the schedule online, and it looks like at least we will be recording some (but, because of our new camera’s limitations, not all) of the 1st June and 21 September events (the memorials for our dear friend, the late Diane Wolkstein). The 20th of July is also a strong possibility.
We have more to say on our website. And we hope to see you at the Statue sometime this Summer.
Beloved friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the news of the death of storyteller and author extraordinaire Diane Wolkstein. You will remember her from many a Just One Story… episode, and we have planned to share many more with you.
Sadly, her life came to an end on Thursday 31 January, while she was away in Taiwan (Kaohsiung). She was there doing what she loved to do: learn more about the stories she wanted to tell (in this case, an adaptation of the Chinese classic Journey to the West), and living her life as fully as she always would.
And now she is gone. And all that is left is her story.
But what a wonderful story it is to tell.
I am proud to have played a role in the making of this featurette, released in 2007 to celebrate the 4th decade of her career.
I only wish it could have lasted one decade more.
I love you and will miss you, Diana. Farewell, good friend of mine.
Philip David Morgan.
©2007 Cloudstone Productions, New York City.
Presented with the kind permission of Cloudstone Productions.
Presto! A new Just One Story… episode with Diane Wolkstein and Jeff Greene (on the nyckelharpa) for your entertainment.
Behold “The Flax”! (also accessible via YouTube).
©2012 Diane Wolkstein / Cloudstone /Philip David Morgan / Rosegarden Media and Entertainment.
Before there was the Kentucky Derby, before the Belmont or Preakness Stakes, or Off–Track Betting, there were…
Horse. And Toad.
Because the exacta is nothing compared to the Princess’ hand in marriage, right?
“CRIC?!”
See you in Central Park tomorrow, 2nd June.
“Horse and Toad” is from the book The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales (Random House–Schocken Books, New York, 1978, reprinted 1997).
©1978, 1997 Diane Wolkstein. Used with permission.
Video ©2010–2012 Diane Wolkstein / Cloudstone /Philip David Morgan / Rosegarden Media and Entertainment.
(Source: vimeo.com)
C’mon… you know you wanna dance.
Come sway to the beat of drummer Oneza LaFontant as Diane Wolkstein brings you the bittersweet romance of “Owl.”
“Cric?”
“Owl” is from the book The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales (Random House–Schocken Books, New York, 1978, reprinted 1997).
©1978, 1997 Diane Wolkstein. Used with permission.
Video ©2010–2012 Diane Wolkstein / Cloudstone /Philip David Morgan / Rosegarden Media and Entertainment.
(Source: vimeo.com)
The second of four Haitian stories told by Diane Wolkstein in Central Park (see the previous post).
In a nutshell: If you rush into marriage, could this happen to you?
“Two Donkeys” is from the book The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales (Random House–Schocken Books, New York, 1978, reprinted 1997).
©1978, 1997 Diane Wolkstein. Used with permission.
Video ©2010–2012 Diane Wolkstein / Cloudstone /Philip David Morgan / Rosegarden Media and Entertainment.
Finally, after too long a pause, the Just One Story… video upgrading continues.
Here’s Diane Wolkstein, joined by drummer Oneza LaFontant, with her signature telling of the Haitian tale about “The Magic Orange Tree” (from the classic book of the same title).
This is the first episode of the show to be produced in New York’s Central Park, and the first of four stories recorded on June 5, 2010.
Make sure to learn the song that goes with the story, so that you’re in the proper mood.
“Cric?”
“The Magic Orange Tree” is from the book The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales (Random House–Schocken Books, New York, 1978, reprinted 1997).
©1978, 1997 Diane Wolkstein. Used with permission.
Video ©2010–2012 Diane Wolkstein / Cloudstone /Philip David Morgan / Rosegarden Media and Entertainment.
Beware the Compliance Rod
Effective immediately, Rosegarden Media and Entertainment will assume full responsibility for the maintenance of storyteller Diane Wolkstein’s Monkey King Epic website, as well as her own official site.
Unlike the main site, which is powered by WordPress, the MKE site was created on and will continue to be maintained using Apple’s iWeb® software.
Stay tuned for further details and updates.
The last of the upscaled Just One Story… episodes is all yours now to enjoy.
Diane Wolkstein is seen here with a poignant story from her collection The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales (1978). The most amazing thing about this story is the fourth — and intentionally forgotten — daughter’s capacity to forgive her mother for the injustice done to her as a child.
This performance was recorded at the Mother’s Day Benefit for Haiti (Scandinavia House, New York City, Sunday 9 May 2010) using an older Samsung miniDV videotape camcorder. It’s the last of the old standard definition episodes we did before we finally moved up to a 720p HD camera.
Look for more Haitian goodness in April. But for now… “Cric?”
“One, My Darling, Come to Mama” from The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales (Random House–Schocken Books, New York, 1978, reprinted 1997).
©1978, 1997 Diane Wolkstein. Used with permission.
Video ©2010–2012 Diane Wolkstein / Cloudstone /Philip David Morgan / Rosegarden Media and Entertainment.
Just One Story… is finally relaunched.
Here, then, is Episode 1, remastered to 720p HD, with Diane Wolkstein recorded in live performance at New York’s Orchard House Café, telling a Taoist tale from Lieh Tzu (The Huainanzi) that begins with the simple act of a farmer’s horse riding off. All the farmer can wonder aloud is “Who knows what the future will bring?”
Stay tuned, everyone. We’re just getting warmed up. And there are more stories to come.
©2009–2012 Diane Wolkstein, et.al./Philip David Morgan — Rosegarden Media and Entertainment.
