It may not be Halloween, but this is the ideal time of year for a creepy, ghostly circle of stories – especially if it's held at a cemetery where the influences of the dead are most pronounced. T.A.L.E.S.
It may not be Halloween, but this is the ideal time of year for a creepy, ghostly circle of stories – especially if it's held at a cemetery where the influences of the dead are most pronounced.
T.A.L.E.S. (The Alberta League Encouraging Storytelling) has an appreciation of all literature, horror included. This coming Friday and Saturday they are hosting Spine-Tingling Tales at the Edmonton Cemetery Mausoleum.
Prepare to jump in your chair and look over your shoulder says co-producer Kerry McPhail, a Leo Nickerson Elementary instructor.
“You feel almost as if you shouldn't be there. A venue like the mausoleum makes the story more powerful. One story I told was a man who comes out of the grave and takes his best friend with him. Being at the cemetery makes it more spine tingling. It has a delightful chilling feel.”
McPhail was been heavily involved in T.A.L.E.S. storytelling ventures at Fort Edmonton Park. Last year she was peripherally involved with Spine-Tingling Tales and this year she is sharing the co-producer's hat with Stephanie Benger.
Each night six stories will be told orally without an intermission.
“We choose the stories for flow and once it gets started, we don't want to disrupt the ambience.”
Both McPhail and Benger will tell along with Marie Brice, Laura O'Connor, Bethany Ellis, Jennifer Kennedy, Marie Anne Mclean and Renee Englot.
McPhail's original story titled The Lockhart House, is set in a neighbourhood with an old abandoned farmhouse marked by a dilapidated scarecrow. A teen takes a girl to the farmhouse for some fun and things go horribly wrong.
Englot has chosen to recite The Telltale Heart, a classic Edgar Allan Poe tale.
“You have to have it fully memorized. It's a testament to how amazing she is.”
In a different vein, Mclean is going in the direction of historical tales with Ewan of the Little Head, a story that comes from her family tree.
For McPhail, the evening's experience promises to be an adrenalin rush.
“It's like a piece of history that comes alive in front of everyone. We get to soak up the ambience with quality entertainment. Who can ask for more?”
Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, a flashlight and wear weatherproof clothing. There are no washrooms.
Preview
Spine-Tingling Tales<br />T.A.L.E.S.: The Alberta League Encouraging Storytelling<br />July 11 and 12 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.<br />Edmonton Cemetery Mausoleum<br />11820 – 107 Ave.<br />Tickets: $20 cash. Call 780-437-7736 to reserve<br />Ages: teens and adults
