What have myths to do with Humanism and do we need more of them?  How can rationalist Humanists enjoy the obvious fiction of stories? These were some of the questions asked at this session: note that I have not said talk or meeting, as to describe the event in those terms does not indicate the theatricality and entertainment factor of the evening, and the great stories which were acted out while raising serious and truthful points.  Which, we learned, is what storytelling is all about!

In Act One, Andy described the route which had taken him from reluctant schoolboy to hero of schoolchildren as he performs with his company in schools and elsewhere the great myths of the world such as his performance of the Theseus and the minotaur in his award-winning Labyrinth.  The question what is the purpose of storytelling was one of an array of discussions which occupied the second part or Second Act of the evening, with a wide range of views being expressed: from the idea that all stories would interfere with children’s idea of truth, to the benefit of Santa Claus to Humanists as a first introduction for children to rationalising and logical thinking as well as helping them realise that all they are told by adults is not true.

It was good to have had a chance to think about the role of storytelling in culture generally and in particular in a Humanist context which does not have the well-known narratives of major religions.  This evening helped to raise a number of very interesting issues as well as being a highly entertaining night.

Cathy Crawford  

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