Flight of Fancy

Flight of Fantasy Story Theatre storytellers visited the Malibu Library telling tales of “When Animals Were People” on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 9. Children delighted in the live performances by storytellers Lorrie Oshatz and Theresa Amy, who transformed into many different characters.

Traditional folk tales and stories from the Chumash and Navajo cultures, including “Coyote Learns to Help,” “Owl Tricks Crow,” “How the Stars Fell Into the Sky” and “How Humans Got Their Hands” were all performed  in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

“Sharing these stories from the Chumash culture, when Malibu was the indigenous home to many Chumash people, was really fantastic,” Oshatz shared in an email to The Malibu Times. “We were very honored to be able to bring some of these stories to life and celebrate such a rich and beautiful tradition.” 

Children had the opportunity to join the fun, acting out parts during the interactive storytelling presentation, laughing and using their imagination, all while learning a lesson or two.

For more information on events at the Malibu Library: colapublib.org/libs/malibu

Storyteller Lorrie Oshatz plays a California Scrub Jay who picks up a condor feather with uncontrollable powers in the Chumash tale “Owl Tricks Crow.”

Billie Holmes and Isabel watch while Flight of Fantasy Theatre storytellers Lorrie Oshatz and Theresa Amy tell a tale about “How the Stars Fell Into the Sky.”

Cashton Hale (center), the fox, holds still while Flight of Fantasy Theatre Storyteller Theresa Amy places her hand on his paw to see if it’s a match, during the Chumash tale “How Humans Got their Hands.” 

Theresa Amy

Children representing different animals join Flight of Fantasy Theatre’s Storyteller Theresa Amy as she discovers which animal is a match for the Chumash folk tale “How Humans Got Their Hands” at the Malibu Library on Thursday.