What could be more perfect than the combination of live theater and folklore? In episode 62, Henry Cameron Allen, founder of Folklore Theatre Company, shares his journey from local theater director to global storyteller. He discusses the company's evolution from local to international productions, including the audio series 'The Lore.' We explore Henry's background as an author, speaker, grief counselor, theater director, as well as the noble goal of his Folklore Theatre Company's goal of rescuing, protecting, preserving global stories. Henry explains his educational initiatives like the Young Mystics Club (life skills program for children) and his book 'The Lost Traveler's Field Guide,' which reframes grief through quantum physics, even for those without a science background. We discuss folklore's role in personal growth and cultural preservation in this enlightening episode. Don't miss it!
Links: https://www.henrycameronallen.org/
🎭 Introduction to Folklore Theatre Company (00:08 - 10:38)
Guest: Henry Cameron Allen, founder of Folklore Theatre Company, Henry's background: author, speaker, grief counselor, theater director, Folklore Theatre Company's goal: rescuing, protecting, preserving global stories, First production at Great American History Theater in Minneapolis,
🌍 Development of Folklore Theatre Company (10:40 - 22:35)
Henry's son Cameron passed away in 2008, leading to an existential crisis, Started Folklore Theatre Company to preserve local stories, Produced over 40 original productions based on local folklore, Invited by UN to develop workshop in Fiji using folkloric theater, audio theater series called 'The Lore', Curating library of folk and fairy tales from around the world, Working with diverse artists and musicians globally
🎧 The Lore Audio Series (22:36 - 33:06)
Four tales currently available, more in production, Emphasis on representation and imagination in audio theater, Stories chosen for universal qualities and relatability
🧠 Educational Initiatives (33:06 - 42:51)
Young Mystics Club: life skills program for children, Activities include botany walks, Reiki training, African drumming, archery, Focus on well-rounded education and experiential learning, Addressing ignorance and fear through education,
🌟 Folklore and Personal Growth (42:51 - 52:06)
Folklore as a tool for personal development and understanding, Triskelion symbol: oldest known common human symbol, Representation of interconnectedness and individual journeys, Folklore as a way to connect with ancestral DNA and find comfort
🔄 Grief and Quantum Perspective (52:06 - 01:00:30)
Henry's book: 'The Lost Traveler's Field Guide', Reframing grief journey through quantum physics lens, 13 dimensions of grief experience, Difference between mourning (passive, temporary) and grief (active, permanent)
📚 The Lost Traveler's Field Guide (01:00:30 - 01:09:46)
Book explores grief journey through quantum mechanics, Emphasis on present moment and infinite possibilities, Concept of expanding comfort zone rather than leaving it,
🎭 Supporting Folklore Theatre Company (01:09:46 - 01:18:16)
New podcast in development: 'The Theater Weebles', Importance of patrons in keeping theater arts alive
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