Nearly 5000 years ago, Sumerian storytellers told 'contest' stories with passion, wit and amazing detail to decide a 'winner' of imaginary contests. Who is the best? Winter or Summer? Silver or Copper? Date Palm or Tamarisk Tree? Sheep or Grain?

The workshop played with this ancient story format. What is the best? The Car or the Train? The Shower or the Bath? The Word-Processor or the Pen and Paper? Ocean or Land? Man or Woman?

June Peters retold in English the Sumerian contest story called The Bird and the Fish. Tara Jaff sang a Sumerian poem of praise to the Mesopotamian goddess Inana accompanied by harp music. People supported the singing with a chant.

Select photo:

 Photos Natasha Lemon

Last updated 04/07/2009