Jon
Stevens, an Indiana University graduate student in Library Science, will be
telling a story in his first public performance with the Bloomington
Storytellers Guild during the 46th annual Festival of Ghosts Tales
on Friday, October 29th beginning at 7:00 pm in Bryan Park.
Stevens,
who was raised in Westfield, Indiana, got his undergraduate degree in Education
at IU and spent twelve years teaching high school in Shelbyville, then in
Franklin, Indiana, prior to returning to graduate school.
Intrigued
with storytelling after taking a summer class in storytelling with IU Professor
Christina Jones, Stevens found a natural outlet for his interest in ghost
stories, monster stories and urban legends. He now works with Jones at the IU Education
Library and has an opportunity to dig into the stacks in search of captivating
tales.
“As a
teacher, I taught English and theatre classes, and I directed plays,” Stevens
said. “Storytelling gives me the fun of looking up different folktales and
making them my own.”
Ghost
tales are of special interest to him, and he had also taught classes on
monsters and urban legends. He defines a ghost as some historical trauma
inflicting itself upon the present -- pain or fear that is still relevant today
and that people still connect with.
“I
think that these types of stories give us the ability to talk about our fears
and societal concerns in a safe way”, he says. “I look forward to telling and
participating in oral tradition.”
Stevens
will be telling an IU legend called, The Girl in the Yellow Dress, about
a ghost said to haunt Read Hall dormitory on campus.
“Different
versions [of the story] highlight different fears”, Stevens says. “My version
is about addressing current fears of violence against women on campus. The
story plays into a young man’s obsession and jealousy.”
Storytelling is about interacting
with our past and keeping the past alive, Stevens relates.
“When I
taught, my students would say that we have no culture in Indiana! I would get
them to listen to tales and help them to recognize their own cultural past.”
The
Festival of Ghost Tales featuring members of the Bloomington Storytellers Guild
is sponsored by the City of Bloomington Department of Parks and Recreation and
by the Monroe County Public Library. Bring your own blanket and lawn chair for
this outdoor event. The event is best suited for adults, teens, and older
school-age children. May not be appropriate for younger children. In case of
rain, the show will take place at the MCPL Downtown location auditorium. Call
812-349-3754 for weather-related updates.
