Storyhouse Languages will take place 23rd-26th January and will welcome Chester’s international community to showcase their cultures, and present events exploring the language we use around taboo subjects.
The four-day programme will be made up of: Korean bingo, a food market, open mic night, panel discussions, workshops, performances, a quiz and an exhibition (full listings below).
What to look out for…
Storyhouse will be transformed into a Korean culture hub with K-pop performances, Korean bingo and Korean fairy-tale storytelling.
Chester’s Japanese community will give a beguiling kimono demonstration and festival goers can attend a workshop on the ancient art-form of calligraphy.
The Wah Lei Chinese Association will perform an iconic dragon dance entitled ‘Waking the Lion’ to celebrate the arrival of the ‘Year of the Rat’.
Award-winning podcaster Jessica Regan will present an open mic storytelling event where contributors are invited to share their true story, poem or script in front of a live audience.
Lifestyle journalist Michael Di Carlo will chair a panel discussion on the language of ageism.
The language school English In Chester will welcome international students to a social event giving the public an opportunity to practice their foreign language skills with a native speaker.
Social change organisation Same But Different will curate a panel discussion on the language of homelessness, exploring common misconceptions and stereotypes.
The festival will also welcome members of Chester’s Hungarian community as they share and read aloud their favourite folk tales.
Storyhouse artistic director Alex Clifton said: “Chester is a diverse and creative community, with languages from across the world spoken in every corner of the borough.
“Storyhouse Languages will bring the community together to showcase and share their cultures.”
The weekend will also present a food market to celebrate the international cuisines available in Chester including Italian, Brazilian, Syrian, Korean and Hungarian dishes.
Full listings…
23rd January – Language and Culture Exchange, Garret Theatre
24th January – Young Storyhouse presents KAHOOT Quiz Night
25th January – Chinese New Year at Storyhouse, The Kitchen
25th January – The Language of Homelessness panel, Garret Theatre
25th January – Kimono Dressing Demonstration, The Kitchen
25th January – Japanese Market: Origami Craft Workshop
25th January – Taekwondo Demonstration
25th January – Crunchy Talks: Tales From Midlife Journeys (The Language of Ageism)
26th January – Korean Storytelling: Traditional Korean Fairy Tales
26th January – The Guilty Feminist: Big Speeches
26th January – Food Market
26th January – Korean Calligraphy Workshop
26th January – Korean Bingo
