As part of the Brooklyn Public Library’s youth programming for Black History Month, HCX visited the Dweck Center for a special Krik? Krak! Storytelling & Songs with storyteller Goussy Celestin & drummer Jean Mary Brignol.
Tromping through the snow and shaking off layers of coats, gloves, and caps, families settled in to listen to Goussy and Jean Mary as they transported us to warmer places.
Reading from Diane Wolkstein’s Banza, Goussy told the tale of a shy little goat who used the power of music to ward off a pack of hungry tigers.
Another story of the underdog… or rather, underfrog, is that of Crapo and Cheval. With a convincing “Click-O-Top! Click-O-Top!” we heard the tale of the over-confident Cheval (Horse) and his competition with clever Crapo (Frog) for the hand of the King’s beautiful daughter.
Following the victorious tale of Crapo, Goussy and Jean Mary led us in learning Crapo’s wedding dance! We all got moving with a silly dance and great rhythms celebrating Crapo’s new bride!
Another mischievous Crapo (no relation, Goussy explained) got himself into trouble with Simbi the spirit of the river when he dries out the village for his own selfish pleasure. We then wrapped up this session of Krik? Krak! with another traditional Haitian dance called the Yanvalou.
Upcoming Krik? Krak! Storytelling & Songs taking place this summer include a special session at our Haitian Flag Day Selebrasyon! on May 18th at Ocean Ave and Parkside Ave.
A special thank you to the Brooklyn Public Library’s Dweck Center for hosting us.
This Krik? Krak! Storytelling & Songs took place on February 15, 2014 at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Dweck Center.
Comments