Uncle Mark’s Story Time
STORIES KEEP THE WORLD TURNING ROUND!
Longtime storyteller Mark Jeffers is no stranger to going into schools on tours or telling stories by the fireside. In fact, this veteran of children’s dramatic productions and solo story times has performed for tens of thousands of young people since the late 1970’s.
Uncle Mark’s love of storytelling takes him back to his years as a pre-school teacher working daily with 4 & 5 year old children. As Storybook Theatre became a reality in Honolulu, Mark its founder worked with many actors, dancers and musicians creating exciting themed theatrical school programs that entertained and educated children at the same time. Later he would go on to produce several renown storytellers in Storybook’s Statewide circuit of schools, and he learned from them the skills of catching and holding an audience of young people including the use of sign language and poetry.
The Eyes of the Storyteller
The power of the Storyteller is to create a picture through language that empowers the listener at any age by stressing the importance of memory, imagination, & illumination.
2022-2023 Season of Storytelling programs told and retold by Uncle Mark Jeffers
'The Poet and the Princess' 40 minutes.
Story of Princess Victoria Ka’iulani told by world famous storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson. Performed in sign-mime and verse for audiences 3rd grade and above. Demonstrating the fun and power of language to stir children's imagination.
Ua - The Rainbow Maiden of Waimea -15 min.
A fifteen minute story told from the book The Water of Kane by Mary Kawena Pukui. Appropriate legend of old time Kaua'i for Grades 2 thru 8. Theme's of the Hawaiian family's relationship with the land and the journey of a young man to find his first love. It also includes the story of the`Elepaio and the Hawaiian Canoe.
Kanaloa-huluhulu -15 min.
A fifteen minute story told from the book Kaua'i Tales by Frederick B. Wichman.
A tale of wild adventure and courage about days long ago in Koke'e and the mysterious upland forests of Kaua`i. Appropriate for grades 3 thru 8.
The Sleeping Giant of Kapa'a - 15 min.
A fifteen minute story retold to me by Auntie Nona Beamer. An appropriate story for 1st thru 6th grade with theme's of courage and humor as the big old giant is finally put to sleep after causing much trouble. A great Hawaiian Legend.
Mountain Ghost Stories - 20 min.
Even though I really don't like to tell them, they are probably the most requested kind of story from children on Kaua'i. Introductions include: Pele, Marchers of the Night, Flying Light, & Sitting Ghost. This collection is from my own and friends' personal experiences which, of course, open the way for others to tell of their own stories, there are as many as there are people. Area Folktales from O`ahu, Lana`i and Kaua`i.
The Coming of Makali`i - 20 min.
An original story of the Hawaiian Forest by Mark JeffersThis is the story of the mythical families of the forest and their annual gathering to celebrate the beginning of the Makahiki Season with the rising of the Pleidaes. But someone is definitely out of place. The celebration is by the invitation of Queen Mohihi of the Menehunes who fixes things in the end. Appropriate K - 6 gr. Mythological Themes
The Origin of the Butterflies - 15 min.
This Potawatamie legend was learned from my world traveling friend, Floating Eagle Feather. It is from my own original homelands of the great cedar forests of Michigan and the Lake country. It is appropriate for preschool thru grade 4 and is a Faery Tale with themes of Beauty and Courage.
The Lion and the Mouse - 15 min.
This "older than the hills" AESOP's Fable is reminiscent of Hurricane 'Iniki with all the up-roar of a huge Lion breaking out of the hunters net with the help of the tiny mouse. Appropriate for pre-school thru grade 3. Themes of Responsibility & Courage.
The Three Billy Goats Makona - 15 min. (told by Russell the Rooster)
A kolohe family of Billy Goats set out to climb up-mauka for some ono munchies. As they cross the bridge none other than the big, mean, ugly, smelly, and dumb troll Holoholona attempts to capture and eat them. He ends up eating all the rubbish underneath his bridge instead in an eating contest with the biggest goat. Appropriate for pre-school through grade 4 with themes of local style humor and environment - audience joins in!
Many more stories are available for telling upon request, including:
Why the Baby says 'Goo Goo!' - Penobscot
Deep Blue Sea Baby, Deep Blue Sea
The Story of the Boy and the Witch - France
The Habyahs - Ireland
The One Eyed Yak - China
The Monster of St. Lawrence Island - Inuit
How the Birds got their Song - Iroquois
Epamanandus you Foolish Boy -Traditional American
Coyote Stories - Hopi
The Two Grandfathers - Cheynene
Jumping Mouse - Cheynene
A Crocodiles Tale - Filipino
You Go First - Russian
What Every Person Wants The Most - Universal
Stories are available for performances at your school or on classroom visits to Koke'e State Park on Kaua`i. Also Mr. Jeffers is available in the evening events or for visits to your home, theatre, church or library in your community. Prices range from $50 to $300 per performance, terms are negotiable. Curriculum materials are available upon request. Russell the Rooster puppet or inflatables can make an appearance, but fee negotiated separately.