A storytelling festival featuring 10 Asian American storytellers bringing both Asian ancient folktales and contemporary and inspiring Asian American stories to Orcas. It will run July 15-17 at various locations on the island.
Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec, are world renowned storytellers bringing nine other Asian American storytellers to Orcas to regale their tales of pan-Asia and of Asian America. With wit and wisdom, mirth and message, their stories will bring peoples together, celebrating our commonalities through the art of storytelling. This will be their 8th Orcas Storyfest.
Monday, July 15, 7 p.m., Orcas Center: Asian Heroines of History: Three Asian American women will portray three influential and heroic Asian women in Chatauqua style. Nancy Wang will portray Quock Mui, an ancestor who started the fishing industry on the California Monterey Coast despite racism; Roopa Mohan will portray Kasturba, Gandhi’s wife and her part in the freeing of India from Britain; and Bowen Lee will portray Junko Tabei, first woman to climb Mt. Everest. After the three portrayals, audience members can ask the characters questions. The storytellers will answer in character! Ticketed.
Tuesday July 16, 4:30 p.m., Orcas Library: Myth, Mirth and Magic: Children’s program — folktales from Asia. Free; donations accepted.
Tuesday July 16, 6:30 p.m., Orcas Library: Strong Like Bamboo: With the anti-AAPI hate that intensified during the pandemic, four Asian American tellers will share their stories of their racist experiences and resolutions, followed by a Q&A session. The audience members will then break into groups of 3 to share their own experiences related to prejudice such as victim, perpetrator, witness or ally. With the goal of building bridges, sharing one’s story lifts the burden of secrecy and removes the wall of isolation. Free; donations accepted.
Wednesday July 17, 1 p.m., Orcas Senior Center: An Asian Occasion for adults providing message and medicine for the soul and some good fun. Free; donations accepted.
Wednesday July 17, 8 p.m., Oddfellows Hall: Asian Ghouls, Ghosts and Goblins for adults and mature, unafraid, i.e. courageous youth! Free.
