What happens when age-old folktales meet today’s curious minds? At the Old Tales and New Tellers: Storytelling for Contemporary Audiences workshop, participants stepped into the vibrant world of oral storytelling under the guidance of Zalka Csenge Virág, an internationally renowned storyteller and author.

Whether someone came with professional interest or simple curiosity, the experience opened doors to the timeless power of traditional tales in a modern context.

Let’s hear firsthand from one of the participants about what it was like to dive into this enchanting world:

"Attending the storytelling workshop with Csenge Virág Zalka was an inspiring experience. I was surprised to learn that storytelling can be pursued as a professional career. Csenge’s own journey - building her life around traditional and folk storytelling and earning a Fulbright scholarship to complete a master's degree in the U.S. - was incredibly motivating.

The workshop introduced us to different types of storytelling, with a focus on Csenge’s expertise in traditional and folktale narratives. We also got to know about the ethical considerations of storytelling. It really highlighted the importance of cultural respect and responsibility when sharing stories. A particularly engaging part of the session was the hands-on storytelling activities we did with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds. These exercises focussed on how storytelling is influenced by timing, sensory detail, and audience interaction. It was exciting to learn how storytelling involves not just words, but also rhythm, tone, and the use of our senses.

Csenge shared her impressive project of collecting epic-themed stories from over 200 countries and cultures. Though she didn’t travel to each of these places, she curated and wrote about these stories through her extensive research and global storytelling blog - a remarkable feat that showcased the diversity and richness of world narratives.

Overall, the workshop was a good and educational experience. It provided not only practical storytelling skills but also a deeper appreciation of its cultural and personal significance."

Many thanks to Talha Khalid for sharing this wonderful experience!

Curious to learn more? Check out our interview with Csenge Virág Zalka here.

For more pictures CLICK HERE!