Against a backdrop of colored banners and woven cotton tapestry, Milbre Burch creates a universe in which a scar-faced girl finds healing, a smart but silent parrot finds his voice, and a simple man finds all the brains he needs. The World is the Storyteller's Village has been called "a flavorful feast of stories told by a master storyteller."

Burch says of the show: "This is my golden oldies concert because the tales are all folktales. When we listen to the wisdom of stories that bridge cultures, continents and epochs, we begin to realize that 'once upon a time' is now."

Premiering in Pasadena in the summer of 1994, the show earned this review from Jerry Willis, then Public Events Manager at the California Institute of Technology: "Milbre, as always, demonstrated her consummate abilities as a storyteller. The content of the show is eclectic and wide-ranging. Production values were excellent and the audience reaction was most positive. I recommend and commend the show to you."

When it was presented in the Mark Taper Auditorium of the Los Angeles Public Library, Louise Steinman, Director of Cultural Programs, wrote: "The folktales Milbre selected and the gesturally vibrant way she chose to tell them, spoke to the heart of the culturally diverse audience. She is that rare performer who is equally successful performing for both children and grown up audiences. Her material, both original and traditional, is first-rate. Her performances are graceful and witty."

The show was part of the Appalachian State University's Summer Festival in Boone, North Carolina, in July, 2001. Sponsor Sali Gill-Johnson called it "Wonderful."


The material in The World is the Storyteller's Village is selected from the following sources:

"The Smart Parrot" adapted from King of the Mountains and Other Latin American Folktales by Maurice Jagendorf and R. S. Boggs.

"Morgan and the Pot O' Brains" adapted from Tales from the Welsh Hills by Ellen Pugh.

"Grandmother Spider" adapted from the original story by Elizabeth Ellis.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz adapted from the picture book by Verna Aardema.

"The Mirror" adapted from "The Nun as Judge" in Folktales of Japan edited by Keigo Seki, translated by Robert J. Adams.

"The Purchased Miracle" adapted from The Enchanted Orchard and Other Central American Folk Stories by Dorothy Sharp Carter.

"The First Strawberries" adapted from John Rattling -Gourd of Big Cove by Corydon Bell.

"Sweet Misery" adapted from The Piece of Fire and Other Haitian Tales by Harold Courlander.

Borreguita and Coyote adapted from the picture book by Verna Aardema.

"Strength" adapted from Peace Tales by Margaret Read MacDonald.

"Pine Trees for Sale" adapted from "The Wife's Portrait" in Folktales of Japan, edited by Keigo Seki, translated by Robert J. Adams.

"Little Burnt Face" adapted by Milbre Burch in Ready-To-Tell Tales edited by David Holt and Bill Mooney.

"Bye Bye" adapted fromThe Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales collected by Diane Wolkstein.

Running time is 90 minutes. There is one 10-minute intermission.

Milbre Burch's live recording of The World is the Storyteller's Village features the selections above and was awarded a Parents' Choice Classic Award in 2002.