Thank you for you clean and simple stories, and hours and hours of summer-vacation fun ! Although the Enid Blytons taught me about mysteries, secret clubs and afternoon picnics in the English countryside, you reminded me how many stories are waiting to be told from us here in India. As you turn thirty today this week, you will forever remain a major part of my growing years.
One of the most precious memories I have of my grandfather is a tape with his voice recorded on it. On it, he was telling us, my brother (2) and me (4), stories like he would every night during the summer and we were listening in rapt attention. He was the perfect rocking chair grandfather and a truly gifted story-teller because he ensured we stayed out of trouble by being perched on his knee – one brat on each, our feet dangling. He told us stories of epics, folklore and also of his growing years and how he became the head of the family at age 14. After his passing, this heirloom is the memory of him I hold most dear.
The idea is simple enough, and yet so powerful. Conversations on the things that matter. Conversations between parent and child on how it was growing up in their times; on raising children with special abilities;immigrants talking about their first experiences in a new country; remembering departed relatives. Each of their stories are engrossing, compelling, inspiring, healing. What I liked in particular were their story-preserving initiatives for persons with memory loss, survivors of the 9/11 tragedy and the voices of different ethnic communities, bringing people together, creating bonds that provide support and solace.
I think it works because, the world over, we are all suckers for an honest story that is told straight from the heart. It helps people connect with their past and with the person beyond the nature of the relationship that defines them. There’s more to them than what you’ve experienced together. Recording and saving stories for posterity is a treasure that nothing can replicate. I loved the idea because it reminds you that the small things are the most important in a relationship. It opens your heart and it celebrates the everyday.
They’ve recently started animating their stories that are beautifully done. I’m sharing some of my favourites here, since I don’t know how to link the individual audio pieces.
The Human Voice
An oral historian laments the loss of the human voice and shares his hope for the future. I love the expression and the gravely quality of his voice. I can almost imagine him in his jacket with elbow patches and sitting in a Martin Crane-like arm chair.
“Q and A”
The maturity of this child is amazing. It sounds like two adults are talking to eachother.
Dannie and Annie
It’s beautiful. I have no words.
PS: I’m not promoting StoryCorps, just sharing what I feel is a beautiful idea.
