KISMET GRIOTS | taleeshacaturah

Kismet Griotstm

Kismet is simply another word for Destiny, while a Griot is a West African title for storytellers.

The Griot has traditionally been entrusted with a responsibility of passing the ancient traditions and universal understandings from generation to generation through the art of storytelling. A Kismet Griot is one that has been through a series of lessons, using a well-developed program plan that will display the acquired knowledge through their actions and interactions with peers, teachers, parents and ultimately within themselves.

The program is designed to uplift and encourage youth to guide their own destiny using personal power, emotions and intent as their guiding force to create characters, develop story lines and display their work in front of their peers. At the end of eight weeks, participants will be displaying their newly enhanced techniques before peers, parents and community members in the form of a professional community theater production.

The intent of Kismet Griot’s is to acquaint participants with some of the rich cultures and ancient teaching of the world through theater and storytelling. Using historic perspectives from African and Native American cultures, this program will guide participants towards creative problem solving skills using cognitive thinking and imagination to develop solutions to community issues that affect them directly. Kismet Griot’s is designed to encourage participants to think outside of the box, using creativity and imagination to develop characters through self-exploration and the development of original ideas.

Currently we are looking for resources to form a pilot group for Kismet Griots!

This pilot group will establish the framework for the development of a Kismet Griots throughout middle schools (without a theater program) in the St. Louis Area. Having this early introduction to theater, students entering high school will have an established interest in various aspects of this beautiful art. Kismet Griots are prepared as young actors for a more serious focus in theater during their high school career. They will be community leaders, with a voice to make changes for the betterment of their lives.

By making resources available, the implementation of our Kismet Griot’s program will have a direct impact that will:

Foster a greater understanding of self by building confidence.
Provide an understanding of the importance of using genuine, verbal and non-verbal communication skills through spoken words and body language.
Develop Honest Self-Expression as opposed what is displayed through television and other media.
Introduce a possible lifelong outlet for emotional and intense life experiences using creative methods such as acting, writing and public speaking.
Instill the importance of embracing individuality and respect for others.
Build and develop listening and comprehension skills through group activities and script analysis.
Provide participants a safe environment to explore personal choices through fictional literary characters, original characters and traditional Native American and African folklore.

If you would like to be a sponsor for this program contact me!