Women's Storytelling Festival

Andrea performed as the Russian forest witch Baba Yaga as one of 15 invited presenters at Better Said Than Done’s 5th annual Women’s Storytelling Festival in Fairfax, Virginia this spring.

“It was awesome! Your Baba Yaga gave me chills. I sat mesmerized during your entire performance!”

- Teri Lott, storyteller

Storytelling Wednesdays: Telling Your Truth through Fiction and Fables

From beginners to polished tellers, students learned to bring their experiences and truths out through classic old tales, culminating with sharing works in progress with each other and invitations to perform at venues online. Andrea offered some of the first virtual classes for isolated seniors during the pandemic through Framingham State University, and continues to teach dynamically online.

Ongoing: Interactive online workshops for all ages and levels

“C.’s performance last night provided him an opportunity to develop and apply his creativity, develop new communication practices, and socially engage. I am grateful to you for offering him and the others in your course the opportunity to take risks in a safe place.”

-Anne M. Robarti, Director of English Language Programs and Community Education

The Question: A Two Woman Show with Story and Music

Interview
Course 102: Making the Old New: Personal Storytelling with Traditional Material

At atac downtown arts+music venue in Framingham, MA, Andrea Kamens and Joy Kelly Smith of NYC debuted their original two-woman show this February, playing with words and bending reality. Joy's African and African-American protest, theater, and music traditions combined with Andrea's tale of Rabbi Joe, a Talmudic-era demon on a quest to learn from an immortal master singer, give voice to the pain of exclusion, and transform the lives of his questioning students. Featuring music by Alicia Jo Rabbins of Girls in Trouble

Ongoing: To book this show at your venue, contact Andrea today

Congregation Kadimah-Toras Moshe

The oldest Orthodox Jewish synagogue in Brighton. Andrea's Jewish storytelling and programming comes from a deep, authentic and knowledgeable practice, and from a joyous love of her communities, children, families, and traditions.

Ongoing: Holiday and community programs, in-person and online

“What you organized for Shavuot was such a fun and differentiated program. It was a highlight for our community - a couple hours of lighthearted fun and learning in a dark time.”

- Rabbi Jason Strauss

Indian Festival Performances

Andrea was invited to share a personal Jewish story in Kolkata’s second annual menstruation festival to break persisting taboos and stigmas around menstruation in India and around the world. The all-day virtual event moved west from Singapore to Hawaii, gathering Indian and foreign tellers to exchange stories and cultures. She invited Indian tellers from the festival to American venues, and those strong relationships continue.

Ongoing: Performing in online festivals centered in India, and booking Indian tellers at venues based in the US

“Thanks for the courage you displayed to speak on such a 'taboo' topic”

- Priyanka Chatterjee, Arts India Council

Congregation Dorshei Tzedek

Reconstructionist Jewish congregation.

Under a fellowship from the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem, Andrea coordinated with mural artist Jennifer Bloom to produce a 5x6 foot fabric mural designed and created 2nd graders celebrating traditional communal art forms and the story of our universe.

Ongoing: Traditional tales for brightening up whole school assemblies and classroom visits.

An arts and word-based curriculum including listening skills, storytelling skills, partner-work, and social skills.

“Your projects are a vibrant fabulous encapsulation of the wonderful community and learning of Kitah Bet (2nd grade)! I am so appreciative of all you bring to this community!”

- Earnest Solomon, learning director CDT