Dream of Tea with Eth-Noh-Tec: Travel to China and Korea

Sunday, Feb. 4 from 1 to 2 p.m.

— by Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo —

Robert and Nancy of Eth-Noh-Tec on a recent trip to China

“No Man (or Woman) is an island” as the saying goes, implying that people, communities, or even nations should not be isolated from each other.  At times like this when nations’ leaders are mandating the closing their borders, insulating themselves and shutting down mutually beneficial dialogue, it seems the fabric of our common humanity is wearing thin.

Living on Orcas Island, one can feel safe, secluded, and invisible to the woes of the world.  But we are part of the world and as global citizens we have an opportunity to reach out and share with the people of the world, the best of who we are as Americans, through sharing our stories and listening to the stories of others… and what better way to connect than through storytelling!

Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, of “Eth-Noh-Tec”, a kinetic story theater known for their production of the Orcas Storyfest, will host a dual Asian tour to build cultural bridges of understanding through the art of storytelling.  To promote this trip, they will be holding “Dream Tea”, a local, one-hour presentation on Sunday, Feb 4, 1pm-2pm, at 491 Discovery Way (in the Orcas Highlands) to talk about the program.

This storytelling adventure has two delegations, one can enroll in either one or both: China (Oct 7-15) and Korea (Oct 16-25) 2018,  This delegation will include storytellers, performing artists,  educators, and ordinary citizens to engage in cultural exchange as they meet their counterparts and share their stories in community settings:  schools, libraries, and cultural centers.

Unique to the China program is a visit to Gengcun, a traditional storytelling village, a farming village several hours away from the megapolis of Beijing. It is the home of 1,000 residents, yet within its borders reside over 100 storytellers from novice to master level.  Deemed “An Ocean of Stories” by the folklorists who study the region’s lore, they have discovered these Chinese tellers hold within their collective memory over 7,000 stories- with elder artists knowing upwards of 300 or more folk tales, myths and personal stories.

“Oh yes!!.” says Eth-Noh-Tec’s co-director Nancy Wang, “…and besides hearing these Chinese stories, the Americans have homework: tell a folk tale or myth from their own heritage!”  Peace-building between global citizens begins with listening and sharing.

Also featured in Korea is the opportunity to attend the First International Korean Storytelling Festival.  We firmly believe that storytelling can connect people and by “listening through the heart”, even across borders, oceans and language barriers–  people come together, sharing their humanity and heritage through folk tales, myths and life experiences.

This Dream Tea presentation, a free event, requests that you RSVP by Feb 3. The presentation will last about an hour (starts right on time!) and will include a slide show presentation, a performance of stories and, of course: TEA! (and other snacks!)

To find out more about the project (travel topics, tips, program itinerary and tuition) and how to register as a delegate, please attend this event, call Nancy Wang or Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, Co-directors of Eth-Noh-Tec: cell: 415-412-2657; Phone Orcas #: 360-376-8705 or  (415) 282-8705.  Write to us: contact@ethnohtec.org or visit this direct link on website: https://www.ethnohtec.org/asia-trip-page/