This is the question with which the Mapping Tales Project begins. After a little more than 5 months of weighing, adopting and abandoning masters project proposals I finally settled on this one. I’m doing an MA in Design Studies from Central St Martins. This is my project.

What is it?

I intend to share stories with groups of people and if they like the stories, they can buy me a train ticket to wherever they want. Wherever they send me, the storytelling / sharing begins again. How many miles will I clock in 3 months? 

This is not busking. I don’t want money. This is a straightforward, documented research project. Stories for tickets. Simple. 

Why am I doing this?

Stories bridge the gap between the individual and the society. Stories can also move us in ways nothing else can. Stories explain our reality. I’m proposing to map England with stories and in the process figure out what kind of stories the people relate to in today’s contemporary society. These stories in a way will help us understand our world today. 

I’m a performance poet, and storytelling is something I’ve always wanted to do. This is also a chance to learn the craft and develop the skills. 

How will it work?

I’m currently experimenting with the idea of 21 stories based on the 21 trumps of the Tarot. This is because the 21 trumps represent almost the complete unit of archetypes. What archetypes are at play today? It also feels like a good way to contain the tales and give the project some shape. 

Starting August 1st, I’ll be approaching people at railway stations, parks, pubs or any open space. I’ll make my spiel, explain the purpose, tell a tale in the best way I can. Then folks can book a ticket for me online on my netbook. I follow the trail and see where it takes me, sharing stories along the way and analyzing them in the process. 

What am I doing till then?

1. Collecting stories
2. Learning the craft
3. Devising my research plan
4. Figuring out how to spread the word
5. Trying to arrange for funds to cover accommodation as the project only considers travel tickets

How can you help?

1. Share and recommend stories
2. Provide tips on telling stories
3. Let me know if there are any storytelling events happening around you
4. Spread the word on your blogs / tweets and sound off journalists- it would be great if someone could cover this so people would know and wouldn’t think I’m a crazy person when I approach them… :)
5. Suggest and recommend funding opportunities 

The Unfolding of Language (p.25)

Guy Deutscher