FOLLOWING a performance with rave reviews in 2016, arts and heritage charity Settle Stories is bringing Belgian storyteller Iwan Kushka back to Settle. A featured artists in the organisations Summer Events Programme, Iwan will be performing a new show Sailing to Fudaraku and a presenting a workshop in Settle on Friday June 16 and Saturday, June 17.

Iwan offers a unique performance style for adult audiences. Sailing to Fudaraku – The Story of African Zen is a mythical-musical meeting of the music of Africa and the wonderful stories of Zen and Daoist teachings. Iwan weaves stories and music to take the audience on a journey. Somewhere in the Southern Seas, there is an Island Paradise called Fudaraku. Although it is a geographically real place, it is so remote from Japan that the journey there is impossible. In other words, to set out for Fudaraku means to renounce one’s body. Two friends, consumed by an unreasonable yearning for the fabled paradise, have cast themselves adrift from somewhere on the Pacific coast of Japan, sealed in a cabin aboard a rudderless boat. Iwan tells their story.

A true multi-instrumentalist Iwan Kushka accompanies himself on the frame drum, the mbira (African thumb-piano) and other instruments; as well as using loop pedals, drum machines and other tech-effects. This creates the soundscape which underpins his stories.

Reviewing Iwan’s last performance in Settle, Gill O’Donnell in our sister paper the Craven Herald said: "Iwan Kushka held the audience spellbound throughout his performance creating moments of high drama."

One audience member who attended both Iwan’s performance and workshop when he was last in Settle in 2016 commented: "It was everything I’d hoped it would be and much more! A crowded, stimulating, entertaining and life changing experience."

Settle Stories is once again expecting a big crowd for the performance following such a successful show with Iwan last year. Booking is advised. Iwan will also be offering a workshop Story Lab on Saturday, June 17. This storytelling workshop for adults is a chance for participants to learn the art of improvisation and to connect more meaningfully with an audience.

Sailing to Fudaraku will take place at The Joinery, Settle (behind Ye Olde Naked Man Cafe) on Friday, June 16 at 7pm. The workshop Story Lab will take place on Saturday, June 17 at The Joinery from 10am-4pm.

Booking information: Tickets £12 online via www.settlestories.org.uk/sailing or £14 on the door or via 05603 845693