Creating an open space for discussion of all sorts of Tricksters we want to collect and explore differences and similarities between different narratives, of tricksters in mythology, from traditional folktales to crime novels and online scams.
Eventually these tall tales will build into a digital archive of established and emerging trickster tales, exploring whether Trickster migrations can be tracked from original sources to the new myths of today: an example might be how West African trickster folklore is being adapted and translated into contemporary, multi-platform “romance scams” with a global reach.
As well as having an online space Translating Tales of the Trickster will create opportunities to join the creative discussion – from participation in a workshop stimulated by an evening of Trickster Tales to a public performance that shares the creative ideas and project outcomes in a novel way.
Launching our online Trickster network on April 1st with a call to makers, critics and performers, we want to share stories of Tricksters from round the world, from ancient folklore to urban myth and online adventures.
The Trickster Network will be working with leading UK storytellers, tricksters and magicians including Ben Haggerty, Tuup and Stuart Nolan.
You are invited to join our trickster network, follow our blog and take part in a series of creative conversations and events. We welcome expressions of interest from makers, writers, artists, researchers, critics, mythologists and programmers and performers.
The project is funded by the AHRC and will bring together key academic, creative and public partners across Wales and the South West of England including:
- Beyond the Border Wales International Storytelling Festival
- The George Ewart Evans Centre for Storytelling
- The Pervasive Media Studio
Translating Tales of the Trickster is led by writer, director and curator Dr Bambo Soyinka.
The Trickster Tale images featured throughout the website by Anna Brinded
