A Solo Storytelling Event
Philadelphia Fringe: Metaphor
Patchwork presents Metaphor and the Power of Story, Talk and Tales with Denise McCormack
Metaphor Review
FRINGE REVIEWS REVIEWS METAPHOR (Denise McCormack): 2022 Fringe review by Michael Kelly Septemb
Denise McCormack is the creative director of the Lehigh Valley Family Storytelling Series, president of the Patchwork Storytelling Guild, liaison for the National Storytelling Network, and an active member of several local and national storytelling communities. In short, Denise loves stories and has built a life around sharing them and imparting the deep significance they hold in our lives—whether we know it or not. Her profound love of storytelling is not only apparent by her extensive list of accolades but also by her stream of conscious, love letter to storytelling, Metaphor.
In Metaphor Denise walks us down the primrose lined path of such classic tales as Little Red Riding Hood and The Gingerbread Man to illumine the surprisingly hidden and all too often misunderstood significance of these fanciful childhood tales. Between her retelling of these familiar stories Denise interjects with anecdotes from her own life. She shared how these at times simple fairy tales acted like signposts in her life and helped her through hardships that otherwise may have swallowed her whole.
Denise encourages us to be the hero of our own story and to acknowledge where others are in their story. Afterall, it is much easier to forgive someone or help them when you realize they too are attempting to outwit a clever fox or evade some wicked stepmother. Denise reminded us all that at times we must be the “Obi Wan to someone’s Luke,” and in turn allow ourselves to be Luke—naïve yet determined to set out on our own version of the hero’s journey.
[The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street] September 25, 2022; fringearts.com
You can learn more about Denise’s unique take on the oral tradition of storytelling at denisemccormack.live.
About the teller
DENISE MCCORMACK
Denise McCormack values and promotes the art, craft, and practice of the oral tradition of storytelling and offers programs and insights for a variety of purposes.
According to McCormack whose mantra is "There is a story for every time and purpose under heaven,"
Stories, even and especially the simple folk and fable, shine a light on little things that have far reaching implications, including the power to draw us together in community.
Among McCormack's favorites are tales of aged heroes and strong, wise women; creation tales, myths, and epics that speak of values and perseverance; and both prose and poetry that bring to life the magic of our glorious world. Of course, you'll also find her singing ditties with kiddies and offering stories to grow on, too!
McCormack has been a featured teller at local, regional, and national venues, including the National Storytellers Network conferences (KS, CA),NJ Storytelling Festivals (Grounds for Sculpture and Howell Living History Farm), and Philadelphia stages (The Rotunda, Parkway Central Library main stage, etc.), NYC's Artists Without Borders, Godfrey Daniels (Bethlehem, Pa),and many others.
Among her many roles, McCormack is president of the Patchwork Storytelling Guild, coordinator and creative director of the Lehigh Valley Family Storytelling Series, liaison for the National Storytelling Network, and an active member of various other local and national organizations wherein storytelling and the arts play an integral role.
For more information, go to: https://www.denisemccormack.live/
Show Your Support
Donations are appreciated and may be awarded to the tellers as an honorarium for their work.
About Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild
Patchwork Storytelling Guild is a member-supported 501c3 non-profit organization serving the needs of the Philadelphia Metro area, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the Delaware Valley, and beyond.
Its mission is to provide a forum for storytellers and to promote the art of storytelling through community outreach related to the practice, performance, and value of storytelling. Patchwork offers: monthly story swaps, coaching sessions, performance opportunities... and more.
About the rotunda
The Rotunda, located in Philadelphia, PA, is a community-gathering place that is fueled by the belief that art is a catalyst for social change and that the arts can lead to the formation of meaningful partnerships between our parent organization the University of Pennsylvania, and surrounding neighborhoods. Over 300 events are offered every year, including live music, film, spoken word, theater, art, dance, education, youth programs, arts incubation, and various experimental genres. As an alcohol-free venue, The Rotunda provides a critical social alternative for all ages. At its core, The Rotunda is a shared space fostering learning, enrichment, and community support while empowering the public to present, produce, and promote their work. The Rotunda's programming is currently virtual but we will reopen the venue soon enough!
Our Partners & Affiliates
