Shayna Jones

Grandmama Speak


Photo: Louis Bockner

Shayna Jones is a multi-disciplinary professional spoken word artist specializing in the traditional oral storytelling of African and Afro-diasporic folklore. As an award winning actor, a spoken word poet and playwright, Shayna has written and performed for theatre companies, schools, and festivals across Canada. As a folklorist, Shayna combines her passion for live, theatrical performance and fine movement with the study of traditional African and Afro-diasporic folklore and contemporary Black experience to create dynamically soulful, nuanced, and unforgettable performances. Learn more about Shayna and her work at: www.wearestoryfolk.com

This work was developed on the lands of the the Kutenai (Ktunaxa) and Lakes (Sinixt) First Nations.

Grandmama Speak

Grandmama Speak is a kaleidoscope of Afro-centric folklore and fact, fable and fierce reality hinged upon the mystery of “living waters”. Pieced together from the diverse folkloric traditions of the African diaspora, Grandmama Speak is a trumpet for black wisdom, resilience, and legacy that will touch listeners of all varieties, regardless of colour or creed. Love and loss, pride and pain, hambones and redfish take center stage in this evocative show and will leave listeners laughing, sighing, and lingering over the age-old wisdom of "Grandmama Speak". Ages 13 +

Performance History

Grandmama Speak Past and upcoming performances:

Premiere date: Oct 23, 2021
Presenter: Montreal Intercultural Storytelling Festival
Venue: Maison de la Culture Notre-Dame-de-Grace
Location: Montreal, QC
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Performance date: November 2021
Presenter/Venue: Venables Theatre
Location: Oliver, BC
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Performance Date: August 2022
Presenter/Venue: Kaleidoscope Arts Festival
Location: Kimberley, BC
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Performance Date: October, 2022
Presenter/Venue: Rossland Council for Arts and Culture
Location: Rossland
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Performance Date: October 2022
Presenter/Venue: The Capitol Theatre
Location: Nelson, BC
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Performance Date: July 2023
Presenter/Venue: Crimson Dance Society
Location: Nanaimo, BC
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Performance Date: July 2023
Presenter: Music and Beyond Festival
Location, Ottawa, ON

Project Details

Project created by: Shayna Jones

Key Collaborators:

Musician: Rufus Cappadocia
Cultural Advisors: Jacky Yenga

Audience: General Audience

Length in minutes: 55-60 minutes - Full length work

Space required:

Preparation required:

General technical requirements: A professional grade PA system and handheld wireless mic provided by the host venue is a must. A professional system for miking a cello *or* electric guitar and loop pedal are also required. Details will be provided upon booking.

Availability: The Artist schedule is currently open for booking in the Fall of 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024. The Artist schedule is currently open for the full 2024/2025 season.

Number of performers on tour including choreographer: 2

Number of support staff on tour: 0

Community Engagement Activities

The artist strongly encourages post performance talk-backs with the audience.

Contact: Shayna Jones, info@wearestoryfolk.com

Website: wearestoryfolk.com

Facebook: wearestoryfolk

Instagram: wearestoryfolk