We have lost one of our Founding Mothers.
Diane Wolkstein, world-renowned storyteller, folklorist, mythologist and author of many books for children and adults, died following emergency heart surgery on January 31st while on a trip to Taiwan working on her most recent project, the Chinese epic story of The Monkey King or Journey to the West.
Diane was the author of 23 books of folklore and performed to sold-out crowds throughout the world. What set her apart as a storyteller was her performing gifts, as well as the depth of knowledge and research she devoted to the stories she told. Her collection, The Magic Orange Tree, was the result of numerous visits to Haiti during which she recorded stories told on porches and in late-night gatherings.
New York City's children gathered at the foot of the statue of Hans Christian Andersen in Central Park to hear Diane tell stories every Saturday for more than forty summers.
I met Diane at last summer's NSN conference and had a quite lovely lunch with her. She will be missed.
A more extensive obituary can be found here.
- National Storytelling Network? You should be.
