Estonian folk tales, music and songs at Passa Porta on 4 June, 2010 at 20.00

04.05.2010

Estonian folk tales, music and songs with storyteller Piret Päär and folk musician Tuule Kann at Passa Porta (Rue A. Dansaert 46, 1000 Brussels)

on 4 June, 2010 at 20.00

This year Estonia celebrates the National Year of Reading with the aim to promote literature and the habit of reading. The tradition of telling stories are nevertheless, much older than reading. Storytelling is a very important prerequisite to generate children’s interest in reading. 

The storyteller Piret Päär has written: “There is always something unique but at the same time also something similar in every nation’s music, songs, folk patterns and dance steps. But what about folk tales? They seem to be more mysterious.  There are certainly moments or colours, names, places and supernatural creatures that cast light upon what kind of people the story is about. On the other hand, one has to listen to or read a considerable amount of stories to understand - so this is what they are like! Or even – so this is what we are like!”

Twenty years ago Piret Päär discovered how beautiful and charming, how spooky and funny and how deep the folk tales could be. These are the stories which among other reached Estonia through travelling sailors and merchants or warriors. Since that time she has been telling these stories first and foremost to adults with the aim to show - we are also like that.

During these 20 years Piret Päär has also cooperated with different folk musicians.  

“Storytelling combined with music makes it more interesting and enjoyable for the listener.  People have time to reflect about the story while listening to the music and songs before a new story will path its way,” she says.

In addition to and between the stories and music Piret Päär and Tuule Kann will also talk about the storytelling tradition and why people need the stories today.

Come and see and listen yourself!