Storytelling comes alive in Guayaguayare
Storytelling took centre stage on September 26 as the Guayaguayare Village Council held the Tanty Vienna Storytelling Competition.
The competition was named after Vienna Thomas, a storyteller, dancer and dramatist from Guayaguayare and sought to revitalize the art of storytelling as a means of preservation of culture and history. It was open to children ages ten and up.
The competition was sponsored by bpTT.
As president of the Village Council explained, “As you are aware, communities such as ours are in imminent danger of losing their historical and cultural memory and if we fail to act with urgency we will be depriving future generations of a foundation of wisdom cultivated over time.”
The Village Council also staged the competition to explore the opportunities for community development though storytelling.
bpTT Community Liaison Matthew Pierre said bpTT supported the programme because of the importance of storytelling to education and cultural development. “It is important for us to capture, retain and share ‘our’ stories as a community. What have we achieved? Who has helped us to achieve? What have we learned? All of these questions we can answer through storytelling. It is important for communities to tell our story – not let someone else tell it for them.”
Who was Vienna Thomas / Tanty Vienna?
Born on October 25, 1932, and a proud resident of Guayaguayare, Vienna Thomas was a storyteller, dancer, and dramatist par excellence. She captivated the community and the Best Village stage with her immense talents, leaving audiences spellbound through her art.
Her affectionate nickname, Tanty Vienna, reflected her warm and approachable nature, as well as her motherly influence across generations. Her vivacious personality and infectious laughter became the unmistakable signature of her presence, endearing her to all who knew her.
In her honor, the Storytelling Competition was established, open to all children of primary and secondary school age. While open to children ages ten and over, the true emphasis was on showcasing talent rather than age, continuing her legacy of nurturing creativity and expression among the young.
Results
1st place-Nehanda Cabrera - Crab and Dumplings
13 years old
Rio Claro West Secondary
2nd place-Gabrielle khadoo - Folklore - The cow
10 years old
Mafeking Government Primary School
3rd Place-Skyler Roop - Anansi and the pot of wisdom
10 years old
Mafeking Government Primary
4th place-Etarah Guppy- The vengeful hunters
14 years old
Mayaro Secondary School
Special prize - Cyrilla Jones Writers Award
5th-place-Dasha Rollingson - A wise old owl
10 years old
Mayaro RC School