Audio selections from the Storyman's CD catalog. More info... StoryMan Gary Whitaker - Audio
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Medieval Literary Tales and Sagas Program


Literary Tales & Sagas:


Beowulf

Beowulf Retold CD: Tales of Ancient Warriors

Beowulf is an archaic and challenging poem that the general populace finds difficult to understand or grasp. But then it was never meant for modern day ears &mdash written in Old English in the Alliterative style, it presents a challenge to any who try to reconcile it.

Master storyteller Gary Whitaker has re-written Beowulf in his own unique storytelling style renaming it Beowulf Retold. He spent two years developing this dynamic script which captures the sound and feel of the original but in modern day language.

The Beowulf Retold Program is a literal retelling of the first part of the story which deals with the attacks on Hrothgar's Hall, Herot and Beowulf's battle with Grendel.

The late professor Joseph Roesch (holding a doctorate in Medieval English Literature) declares in his review of Tales of Ancient Warriors:
"Your delivery of Beowulf perfectly captures the dark and grim tone, that quality of sheer terror that makes this ancient poem more genuinely exciting than any other in our language...No mere reading of the text of Beowulf, either in the original or in translation, can achieve that effect the way your oral interpretation does."
Beowulf Retold is a 40 minute program designed for use in schools and festivals. Bring Beowulf to life for a modern day audience through the artistry of master storyteller Gary Whitaker as he dramatically performs this ancient hero tale.

Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

This is a 40 minute program in which Mr. Whitaker brings to life a few of these exciting literary tales from the hand of Chaucer, such as The Knights Tale of Chivalry and Rivalry and The Wife of Bath and What Women Most Desire to name a few. Mr. Whitaker will also discuss why this material is important and how it relates to our modern day world.

The Canterbury tales are great examples of moral storytelling which also reveals beliefs of their day in which they were conceived. Mr. Whitaker brings these characters and stories to life and gives their conflicts a moral depth. This program is applicable to Middle school and up.
Sigurd the Dragon Slayer

Sigurd the Dragon Slayer CD: Tales of Ancient Warriors

A 40 minute program based on the ancient Viking tale called the Volsung Saga. This saga has influence many of our fantasy authors of the past, this interesting and difficult piece introduces us to the magic ring and sword, to mythical characters who had superhuman powers and curses that changed people into monsters.

This saga influence JRR Tolkien heavily as did Beowulf. Mr. Whitaker will also discuss why this material is important and how it relates to our modern day world. This program is applicable to Middle school and up. If you wish, you can listen to the introduction of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer on the player at the top of the website.



Arthurian Tales:


The Death of King Arthur CD: Tales of Ancient Warriors (40 minute program)
A 40 minute program for middle school and up, based on Mallory's version of Le Morte de Arthur, this story describes the events that lead to the final battle with Mordred and the death of King Arthur. This is an emotional presentation that vividly brings to life Mallory's vision of Arthur. Mr. Whitaker will also discuss why this material is important and how it relates to our modern day world. If you wish, you can listen to a portion of The Death of King Arthur on the player at the top of the website. You will find the story on the CD, Tales of Ancient Warriors.


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