The Storyteller's Wardrobe

One of the things that we do during storytelling sessions at Make Believe is transform to different characters, oftentimes at the snap of the finger, and much to the delight and amusement of the children -- and adults - that get to watch us. During Peter Pan, for example, I switch from Wendy to John to Michael to Indian Chieftain and lastly, to Captain Hook. We incorporate these quick transformations into our "scripts," and I have oftentimes seen children and yayas and parents giggle in anticipation as they see me discard an accessory to put a new one on and emerge as a different character during the story.

Going Matryoshka!

Distinction between characters is key and this has caused me to amass a wardrobe of costume pieces and accessories that I can use for different storytelling sessions.While we do have our own set of costumes at Make Believe, I oftentimes find that my choices for myself are also influenced by the question, "Can I use this for a Make Believe storytelling session?" Shopping then becomes a hunt not only for things I can wear for the day to day but also for pieces I can use for storytelling.  Buying headbands, hats, and accessories for my daughter Sophie becomes a breeze because I know that I can use her large flower headbands for Alice in Wonderland or Angelina Ballerina, her tiaras for our princess stories, and her cowboy hats for The Legend of Sea Biscuit. (She constantly reminds me, "Ask my permission first! And give them back after Mom!" Fair enough, Sophie.)

Clockwise from left: a furry vest for winter themed parties, princess headbands,
fancy feather boas and lace gloves, a ruby red peacock shawl,
hats, and scarves, scarves, scarves!

I hope to one day have an expansive storytelling wardrobe collection deserving of it's own special closet (or walk-in closet?) in my home. I know that every piece is worth the scavenger hunt in the thrift stores, the purchase in the department stores, and the occasional unique and delightful find in outdoor markets, as each one I put on makes a story become even more vivid and real for the children who watch us. I live for the glints of understanding and glee in their eyes as I change from Elsa to Olaf to Prince Hans, or from Sister to White Rabbit to Caterpillar to Mad Hatter to Red Queen (Alice in Wonderland is always a workout of a storytelling session). And just as I have fallen in love and made best friends with various heroes and heroines in literature such as Anne in Anne of Green Gables, Mary in The Secret Garden, Max in Where the Wild Things Are, and Stargirl in Stargirl, so do I, through the costumes I wear and the stories I tell, wish to introduce children to friends that will serve to entertain, inspire, amuse, and comfort them for the rest of their lives :-)

Interested in our interactive storytelling sessions? Contact Oasis at oasis.jalandoni@makebelieve.com.ph :-)