Licence to Kamishibai
On Tuesday 26th June, a red carpet, popcorn machine and paparazzi greeted warmly wrapped stars and their families as they arrived at Dinjerra Primary School in Braybrook.
The occasion was the premiere of In Other Words, a multi-platform storytelling exhibition written, illustrated and performed by Prep to Grade 2 students and their families. The individual stories and films on display were the culmination of a series of workshops with master storytellers and artists, encouraging students to explore the myriad ways to communicate and share stories. The exhibition was based on Kamishibai, an ancient Japanese storytelling technique.
Students Logan, Par Tha Ding and Jessica kicked off proceedings by thanking storyteller extraordinaires Alice Pung, Tariro Mavondo and Bernard Caleo for their inspiring workshops. Bernard Caleo then lauched the exhibition, delighting the students with a presentation of their Licences to Kamishibai.
Students proudly showed family and friends their Kamishibai stories displayed in the hallway gallery, before collecting their bag of popcorn and settling in to watch their performances, premiering in four 'cinemas'. The stars-in-the-making talents of the students were showcased as they told stories of family and school (bedtime was a popular subject!) and outlandish tales of adventure in lightning-filled houses beneath raining biscuits.
This project was made possible through a partnership with Maribyrnong City Council's 'River of Words' Early Literacy Initiative and funding from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Best Start Program. Pigeons would like to thank
the council team for their support, guidance and contributions.
A big thank you also goes out to the amazingly caring, creative and passionate teachers, school leaders and staff of Dinjerra Primary School, who, along with the parents and families, made In Other Words a storytelling adventure and film premiere for the students to remember.