The tale of the missing Gimistory
Why has Gimistory been cancelled for two years in a row? I really miss it!
Auntie’s answer: Before I get into the “why” I must clear up one thing. While it may seem that Gimistory (which is also a favourite of mine) has been gone for two years, the last time it was cancelled was in 2015, when the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) instead concentrated on celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Harquail Theatre. Gimistory was held the two years after that brief hiatus.
I admit I am missing it this year, as you are. I reached out to the CNCF to find out the reasons for the cancellation this year. Noting that “many in the community look forward each holiday season to the spirit of Gimistory”, foundation artistic director Henry Muttoo said that after almost 20 years of putting on the festival, “we’re working on a re-invention of the festival that will build on our goal of developing a solid cadre of Caymanian tellers”, with the idea to reduce the dependency on storytellers from overseas.
Mr Muttoo added, “If everything goes as planned, we will be back on the district circuit in November 2019.”
So, lovers of Gimistory, myself included, will have to be patient and look forward to enjoying the festival next year.
Meanwhile, the CNCF is putting on the Cayman Christmas Comedy Show, running now through 17 December and being performed for free in every district on Grand Cayman as well as Cayman Brac.
Send questions to auntie@caymannewsservice.com
Recent answers from Auntie
Category: Ask Auntie, Misc Questions
I’m glad it has been discontinued. Some of the stories were highly questionable and not at all suitable for public telling.
It is a natural problem facing cultural events held in a cultural vacuum.
Get a life. Go home to your Mama.
Clearly you didn’t miss it much if you didn’t realize it was on last year…
Since moving away from international tellers, the event has lost much of its magic.