Story Tools
Locust Valley’s Friends of the Arts (www.fotapresents.org) is a nonprofit organization designed to enrich cultural life on Long Island through the presentation of educational performances. FOTA’s ArtReach Intergenerational Project helps students develop critical thinking skills while providing the opportunity to form meaningful connections across generations.
The project begins with storytelling activities in order to acquaint elders with the youths. Students gather facts from the elders through interviews, journal writing, photography, and video documentation. “From the interviews, they have to find “the golden nugget” or real story to turn into the narrative. The artist-in-residence then helps them develop these stories into performances that reflect the history and shared experiences of their community,” says Susan Cohen, director of arts education, of the arts-in-ed program.
The project was piloted in 2006 with 5th-grade students at Sousa Elementary School, in Port Washington, and is once again gearing up for its June performance. The play focuses on stories of residents who have worked and lived in the community. David Gonzalez, acclaimed writer/actor/storyteller, launches the project with a theatrical performance of “Finding North,” which tells the story of former slave John P. Parker’s experiences, interwoven with personal stories from people seeking haven and hope in America. From this framework, students develop their own questions to ask the seniors based on the theme of immigration, which culminates with their play, entitled “Finding Port.” Of last year’s event, Susan Cohen recalls, “It was wonderful for both groups because the seniors were honored to see how their stories were portrayed, and the students bonded with them when they saw their positive reactions.”
In Oyster Bay, the ArtReach Intergenerational Project has taken the form of “Our Stories of Oyster Bay,” a collaboration with the Music Department of Oyster Bay High School, Friends of Oyster Bay Performing Arts Center, the Oyster Bay Waterfront Center, and senior citizens in the community. Since the waterfront is integral to the history of the town, the project set sail aboard the Christeen, a historical sloop. Elders and students enjoyed the boat ride, learned the history of the waterfront, and were treated to nautical songs by musician and storyteller Steve Schuch. The students then interviewed the seniors, and both groups participated in a musical performance in April.
“Finding Port” Intergenerational Performance, held June 12 at Sousa Elementary School, Port Washington. For more information, contact Susan Cohen, director of arts education, at (516) 922-0061.
