Helen May Storyteller

My intent is to tap into our life stories and to distill the essence of meaning and purpose within them.

My commitment is to encourage interpersonal respect and conversation through telling
and listening to stories.

My encouragement tends the fire within each of us and kindles possibilities for personal growth and change.

My guidance supports each participant towards discovery of their personal power, which,
in turn, is effective in creating a dynamic team spirit in the workplace.

For as long as we have inhabited the world as humans we have sat together and shared
our experiences-our stories. We have found consolation and continuity in sharing events and ideas with each other. We have never really wanted to be isolated or excluded from
the fabric of humanity. Stories provide a sense of companionship, identity, purpose and meaning to our lives.

Helen May was born in South Africa, was educated there and then fled from the politics of apartheid to live in Brazil. Her degree in early childhood education in which she specialized in the arts for young children, provided countless opportunities for communicating with people of all ages through the 'language 'of stories, dance and songs as well as drawing and painting. She came to Canada by road, with her husband. The journey from Rio de Janeiro to Vancouver took them 8 months--ample time to reflect on humanity
and stories!

Helen May has told and listened to stories in southern Africa, Brazil and Western Canada;
in various languages with children, adults,and elders of communities on these continents;
in halls, under trees, in kitchens, in schools, community centres, libraries. Her stories for adult listeners illustrate human endeavour, the ability to overcome adversity and to share triumph.These spring from situations she has witnessed in Africa and other places. She draws from Zulu tales heard in childhood when sharing stories with children.

When you'd like a story for your group of children or a story for your festival, or a celebration, a commemoration, a fireside gathering, or a meeting of CEO's...