The Cassandra Project
Supporting socially engaged young storytellers
The Cassandra Project aims to support young storytellers aged 18 - 30 to become ‘socially engaged performers’ ready for international stages. Five European countries will be part of the project: Poland, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.
The project will also help international storytelling festivals reach new audiences, champion art for social good and build platforms for the next generation of tellers. Based on the techniques and approaches used in the project, a public training resource will be created for anyone who wishes to expand and support the impact of youth storytelling. The Cassandra Project secured funding through Creative Europe with the Federation for European Storytelling (FEST) as the primary partner.
What is socially engaged storytelling?
Socially engaged storytelling is telling stories that matter personally on topics that matter globally; it’s telling stories that address and promote awareness of social issues and encourage conversation and positive change. It goes beyond entertainment, aiming to inspire action and create a more inclusive and just society.
Who is taking part?
The Norwegian participants were recruited via an open call and video application with a deadline in January 2024. The following three storytellers were chosen from a totalt of 26 applicants:
Mari Qviller
Hanna Asefaw
Simen Segerberg
What does it involve?
Each participant will create their own 20 minute solo storytelling performance which could stand alone or combine with others to form a 1-hour show featuring other young storytellers. They will attend two 4-day laboratories in Alden Biesen, Belgium and Amsterdam, Netherlands, to learn creative and business skills, develop their performances, and prepare for international platforms. The themes of each performance will be chosen by the storytellers themselves based on a personal connection to global issues. During the research phase, participants will engage with communities aligned with their theme to collect, shape and test their stories.
The young storytellers will lead their own process, supported by an experienced local mentor who may offer artistic, organisational, or dramaturgical suggestions.
Timeline
7 March 2024 Digital kick-off meeting
17-20 April 2024 Four day course including masterclasses with expert storytellers, during the international storytelling festival in Alden Biesen (BE)
May-October 2024 Research and development of storytelling performances in dialogue with relevant community groups, including three local try-out performances. The participants will be supported in this process by Fortellersentrum and storyteller and artistic director Lina Teir.
1-5 November 2024 International performance laboratory and performances as part of the Amsterdam Storytelling Festival (NL)
3-6 April 2025 Performances at Fortellerfestivalen in Oslo (NO)
Juni 2025 Showcase at the Federation for European Storytelling conferanse in Rome (IT)
