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Heart-to-Heart
By Nomsa Mdlalose, South Africa
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I first became interested in storytelling through drama,
which I loved, but it left little time for me to pursue
other activities. Storytelling, as a solitary and occasional
performance art, allowed for more flexibility.
There are many storytellers in South Africa, but they mostly
operate in a traditional context, as opposed to performing
professionally. It's a tradition in African culture to pass
on culture and information through storytelling, educating
people about themselves and the world around them. People
think of storytelling as a form of entertainment for
children, but I think it's more necessary for adults. I see
the form as a way of passing on morals and values, and it's
my belief that children have more of those than adults.
In my work, I draw on African folktales and history, and
many of my stories are about preserving the environment. I
also incorporate traditional songs and chants, as well as
some of the body movements from the dances I did when I was
growing up. Although I wouldn't describe myself as a poet, I
incorporate poetry in my performances. Sometimes I use
praise poems from our family--Southern African families have
izithakazelo, praise poems connected with our family
names that are passed on from generation to generation.
An Uncertain Path
Being an artist involves lots of challenges and sacrifices,
and after embarking on my path as a storyteller, I felt like
I was in a constant dilemma, having to decide which
direction to go. By the time a friend told me about
Buddhism, in 2001, I was faced with a choice between
full-time employment, which meant forgetting all about
performance, or continuing with storytelling, the love of my
life, and living on an unreliable income.
After starting to practice Buddhism, I realized I didn't
have to accept what was for me an impossible choice. After
this change in my attitude, I was able to find a full-time
job that left me enough time to do storytelling on the side.
Then, in 2005, I was offered an opportunity to study for a
master's degree in storytelling in the U.S.
On my return to South Africa with my master's qualification,
and now married, I was once again faced with a seemingly
irresolvable choice between looking for a stable life in
academia or continuing to pursue my passion. There were no
academic institutions in South Africa that offered courses
in storytelling, where I could lecture and maybe perform
during my spare time. But once again, unforeseen
opportunities opened up.
I was offered a position as a scholar-in-residence at one of
South Africa's most prestigious universities, where my task
is to introduce storytelling as a pedagogical tool and a
means to promote dialogue within the institution. For
example, as far as I'm concerned, medical students need to
be taught to connect with people, as well as to treat
disease. Through storytelling they can learn how to listen
to their patients, and, for many people, simply being
listened to properly is a major part of their healing
process.
With the help of my Buddhist practice, I have been able to
combine my experience, interests and knowledge together to
shape a dream career.
I also feel that my Buddhist practice and storytelling
connect perfectly. Buddhism talks about the importance of
creating heart-to-heart connections between people. I think
storytelling is about just that.
Stories are spiritual, they deal with our emotions, and a
good story contains the spirit of what we in South Africa
call ubuntu, a concept which includes love,
generosity, respect, sharing--all the things that are the
values of Buddhism. That's why a good ending is important,
because it has to touch your soul in a positive way.
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