The recent telling of The Geography Teacher’s Orders by the author herself
was truly riveting as promised by her PR materials and storytelling friends who’d
recommended her.
Marta Bruno Singh has crafted a story from real events which occurred during
her own senior high school years in Argentina. Juxtaposed with the true story of
Argentina’s painful transition from dictatorship to democratic rule is one teacher’s
integration of power & politics into the daily classroom regime. The teacher’s rules,
expectations and consequences twisted and perverted the meaning of education,
inquiry, research and fact. She rewarded individual gain and preyed on individual
weakness. Marta was one of the students in that cohort approximately thirty -five
years ago.
In creating The Geography Teacher’s Orders, Marta took her repository of
memories, measured them against the archived political and socio-cultural history
of Argentina in the 80’s and shaped a cautionary tale that is alarmingly relevant.
Written not a moment too soon, Marta’s story has uncanny similarities to political
and social events unfolding currently in our own backyard.
Of interest to writers, researchers, educators, historians, archivists,
storytellers, librarians, politicians, anthropologists…
THE GEOGRAPHY TEACHER’S ORDERS was hosted recently by Victoria Storytellers Guild & Word Weaver Storytelling of Qualicum Beach. It was sponsored by the Ottawa Arts Council and the City of Ottawa.
Review written by Nejama Ferstman
Did you hear Marta tell her story? Your comments are invited:
A few of us were having a discussion the other day, and our differing perspectives and reactions to her performance made for very stimulating conversation. Her story has indeed stirred up questions of a profound nature on many subjects i.e. the philosophy of education, what makes a good teacher, on leadership, on friendship and loyalty and so much more… I believe that this kind of discourse taking place long after the teller has left town is the mark of a good storyteller and an equally good story.
Nejama