Storytelling by Sue McManus
Posted
on May 21, 2015
StorytellingSue McManus provided a wonderful program on Storytelling at the Wednesday evening, May 20, 2015 Rotary Club of Doylestown meeting. One of Sue’s many talents is storytelling; there was a time when Sue’s worked as a professional storyteller. Sue encouraged us to look at storytelling as a way to interact with real people instead of staring at television or computer screens.
Sue told a story originated in Cuba titled “The Best Meal and the Worst Meal”. It centered on Obatula, the ruler of the universe and her trials keeping everyone happy.
She talked of the conflict of the Sun and the Moon, of the sea and the earth and how even the salinity of the ocean is a balance between creatures who want les salty water and those that want saltier water.
One day Obatula said to Arula “I need the best meal that has ever been made!" Arula was not allowed to ask any questions and was sent out to prepare the meal. After searching through fruits and vegetables, and then grains and breads, she finally came to the butcher and found the perfect cut of meat. She took it and cooked it for days until it was perfect. She then presented the perfectly prepared oxen tongue to Obatula.
One day Obatula said to Arula “I need the best meal that has ever been made!" Arula was not allowed to ask any questions and was sent out to prepare the meal. After searching through fruits and vegetables, and then grains and breads, she finally came to the butcher and found the perfect cut of meat. She took it and cooked it for days until it was perfect. She then presented the perfectly prepared oxen tongue to Obatula.Obatula asked "Why tongue?" Arula said it was perfect because a tongue can tell wonderful stories, it can speak well of people, it can teach others, and it can share good words with others. Obatula was well pleased.
A fortnight later, Obatula called Arula again and said “I need the worst meal that has ever been made!” So once again Arula went out and searched for the ingredients for that meal. After searching again, she finally found what she needed at the butcher. She prepared it and when it was ready she took it to Obatula. Arula said she had the worst meal ever and showed it to Obatula… it was… (you will need to talk to Sue to find out the rest of the story…)
Thank you Sue for a great story!