David Thompson tells epic stories. His repertoire
is replete with legends, folktales, and modern-day
stories from the Middle East, Eastern Europe
and Appalachia and from World War II and Vietnam.
A professional storyteller for 37 years, Thompson
got his start at 16, when he told the Babylonian
story of how Ishtar created beer to an audience
of 5,000 Kiwanians. His fascination with epics
stems from stories his parents read to him as
a child — tales of Norse gods and Gilgamesh.
He’s pursued his craft in five countries
and earned degrees in French Civilization, Speech
and Drama, Education, and Liberal Arts. His
work as secretary for University Programs at
St. Edward’s supports his storytelling
avocation, for which he has received numerous
awards and twice won the National Irish Storytelling
Championship. But Thompson isn’t motivated
by awards. “For me, it’s about fostering
connectedness. That’s what storytelling
has done throughout history.” |
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Program from
"Passepartout — Stories for All"
Good evening and welcome. Often I have been asked
to explain how I became involved in storytelling.
Consider it a calling, an avocation, a passion, or
a hobby. For me it is the joy of sharing the oral
tradition, the stories, legends, tales, anecdotes,
and epics and knowing the listener is viscerally engaged.
There is something so satisfying in hearing tales
of adventure, revenge, humour, and pathos instead
of reading and relying on pre-determined illustrations.
Read more. (pdf
format)
Excerpt from "The Princess Who Became
the Morning Star" (Real
media format)
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