GWYN CALVETTI

Public Presentations:

Tricksters and Fools
Bugs Bunny may be the trickster known to most in the modern era, but he was hardly the first to use his wit against a foolish adversary. Folklore around the world features stories of clever tricksters, from Anansi the Spider of West Africa to the clever fool Nasrudin of the Middle Eastern countries. This program entertains with stories from folklore traditions around the world. Calvetti shares stories that feature clever wit rather than brute force. They are especially valid in today's world, where cycles of bullying need to be broken—whether in the corporate world of hostile takeovers or on school playgrounds.

Women of Substance
Many of the stories of folklore feature young damsels in distress but, in spite of their prominence, not all women in folklore are helpless and in need of male rescue. Enjoy stories of women of middle age, women of independence, and women who can helpfully guide the men in their world. Calvetti explores with audiences the possibilities if well-known princesses were recast in the mold of these strong women. She uses stories from around the globe, from Tatterhood of Norway to How Women Came to Give Birth from Kenya.