The Heron’s Journey

A New Interactive Concert
runtime: 55 minutes

The Heron’s Journey combines spoken storytelling, quilting, paper sculpture, and intentional movement. Meet the title character Lake in various forms of self-discovery on his journey from boy to heron. This performance art piece shares an allegory filled with magic, challenges to opposition, and transformation. Audience members have found themselves deep within the story echoing themes such as immigration, orientation, ability, spiritual freedom, and self-awareness. While some children have enjoyed this program, it is most suitable for mature teenagers through adults because of the themes mentioned above.

The presentation includes visual and physical contributions from quilter Amy Pabst, printmaker Sarah Brown, and movement specialist Toneta Akers-Toler.

Creation of this program was originally supported by professional development granting from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and Humanities. 

Photo Credits: Angela Durkin, The Journal

The Audience Is A Part of the Narrative.

The Heron’s Journey’s encourages audience participation in the story at various points. This fosters a profound sense of community by transforming passive spectators into active contributors. When audiences engage directly, through interactive art and storytelling, they become co-creators of the experience, breaking down barriers between performer and viewer. This shared participation nurtures a collective energy and emotional connection, making each performance unique and deeply personal. The Heron’s Journey enhances a sense of belonging and communal identity, as individuals come together to help physically move the narritive forward, creating a memorable experience that resonates far beyond the event itself.

Scenes from The Heron’s Journey

Adam tells excerpts of The Heron’s Journey. Recorded July 2023 at Speak Story Series in Shepherdstown, WV.

The Heron’s Journey Comes To New Hampshire

Adam tells excepts of The Heron’s Journey. Recorded March 2023 at Sharing The Fire conference in Portsmouth, NH.

Here’s What the Audience Says

  • Curiosity and Empathy

    “How you manage to evoke a sense of curiosity out of that wise wizened crowd is beyond my understanding. You drew us into a tale in which we saw ourselves. In seeing ourselves reflected, we experienced empathy and understanding for others on other journeys. We experienced it. And you created a We in a darkened auditorium. The crowd became a community by sharing a deep experience that will resonate and ripple outwards.”

    A.Y.

  • So Personal

    This story was incredible. It felt so personal. It was definitely an experience watching and listening to this story. This one in particular made me cry on 5 different occasions. Stories have so much power and it’s so important to share then with others. You never know who needs to hear it. I felt like this story was something I needed to hear. Thank you @wvteller

    - S.H.

  • Message and Meaning

    ”I kept thinking of people I thought it would help if they heard its message - kids I work with, youngsters who are different in whatever ways.”

    -WM

  • “Ferociously Good”

    -SB

  • Mythic Adventure

    ”My very favorite mythic adventure EVER (so far).” -FC

  • Magical Story

    We saw [Adam’s] magical story “The Heron’s Journey” last night - it is not to be missed!