Storyteller MaMa SaBa will return to the St. Charles Parish Library this month, bringing interactive folk tales, music and movement to audiences at all six library branches as part of the library’s summer reading program.
Known offstage as Phyllis Jason, the lifelong Louisiana resident has entertained audiences with folk stories and dances for more than 30 years. She earned the name MaMa SaBa — meaning “mother of seven” in Swahili — after the birth of her seventh child.
Lauren Campo Pitz, assistant director of the St. Charles Parish Library, said MaMa SaBa tells traditional stories, including tales featuring Anansi the Spider and Brer Rabbit, as well as stories of her own.
Youth Services Librarian Raven Spizale said storytelling is the foundation of literacy.
“It bridges the gap between oral language and written text,” Spizale said. “Through storytelling, history and culture are not only preserved but can be shared with a large audience. MaMa SaBa is a master storyteller that brings tales to life with her energizing performance.”
Spizale said audiences can expect a dynamic performance that weaves folk tales and tall tales into an interactive experience.
“She uses call-and-response stories, singing, dancing, and other movements to help bring the stories to life,” she said.
The performance is designed for people of all ages, Pitz said.
“Like all good stories, there are layers to the stories that MaMa SaBa tells. Both children and adults will enjoy them while picking up on the different meanings of the stories,” she said.
Spizale said the library hopes MaMa SaBa’s visit encourages children and families to discover more stories through books.
“We all have a story to tell, and being able to share our stories brings us all closer together,” Spizale said. “Storytelling is a critical part of literacy and the love of reading because it generates interest in other people’s stories and makes us curious about the world around us. Through stories and reading, we all become more connected.”
Spizale said live performances help deliver stories, education, music and dance directly to library patrons.
“Being able to provide our community with free access to arts and culture is at the core of our annual summer reading program,” she said. “MaMa SaBa’s dynamic performance is sure to entice our patrons to learn more about different folk tales from cultures around the world.”