Montclair Storyteller Participating in World's First Online Storytelling Festival

Professional storyteller Gerry Fierst of Montclair will be participating in the world’s first online storytelling festival, Stories Connect Us All, Oct. 9-11. 

During the three-day festival, participants can log onto the Stories Connect Us All Facebook page to watch personal videos from a different professional storyteller every half hour, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., (CDT) each day.

The festival was created by Susan O’Halloran, a storyteller devoted to promoting racial diversity and inclusion, who believes sharing stories is a great way to get people to talk about tough issues.

“Stories can be entertaining, engaging and emotionally touching,” O’Halloran said. “When you hear other people’s stories you realize how unique each person and group is, as well as all we have in common. When we’re able to walk in each other’s shoes, even for a few minutes, a stranger becomes a friend.”

The videos will feature multicultural storytellers sharing stories of their unique cultural backgrounds, challenges and triumphs. The schedule includes 72 stories by more than 60 professional storytellers. 

Fierst will be talking about his connection to his Jewish heritage. "I love the ritual of religion which connects us to all who have gone before and all who will come long after we are gone,” Fierst said.

In addition to Jewish themes, the stories told will include African-American, Native American, Asian-American and Latino themes.