Oral Majority

When tractor-tire salesman Tim Manson isn't moving big rubber, he's probably engaged, one way or another, with the artistic vagaries of oral fabulism. As a performing storyteller, he writes and regales with the River & Prairie Storyweavers, an area group engaged in an increasingly rare American tradition. "There's not one right way to tell a story," Manson says. "One of the guys in the group tells his stories with music. He plays instruments and sings along. But basically, when it gets down to the storytelling, the audience has to participate — it's the same as telling stories to kids. They have to go along with it, using their imaginations."The group meets regularly, trading stories and offering critiques. "When it gets down to telling stories to the group, we'll have some critiques that can be harsh, but you also share the parts of the stories that you like. And every time you tell a story, it becomes more familiar and becomes a part of you. Several of our members make a living telling stories. But my big fear is that if I was doing it for a living, it wouldn't be fun." Tellabration! A Night of Storytelling is celebrated around the globe by groups such as the Storyweavers. Check out their performance at the John Wornall House Museum (6115 Wornall) from 1 to 4 p.m. today. Admission for a storytelling tour of the museum costs $10 for adults, $5 for children or $20 for families. For more information, call 816-444-1858.
Sat., Nov. 17, 1-4 p.m., 2007