Linda Live!
At the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee
“Linda Gorham blends traditional folktales with topical humor and audience participation. The first tale “Grandmother Spider” was full of cumulative fun animal gestures and refrains for the audience to join in. The second story, a folktale from East Africa “What makes a marriage work?”, was told with “sophisticated attitude” and humorous details. The animation, vocal expressiveness, and gestures completely draw in the audience to the experience. Both stories are delightful fun, full of surprises, and yet end with gentle wisdom.” ––National Storytelling Festival
“I’ve made Linda’s last story, “The Meat of the Tongue,” required listening for any male suitor trying to get to know me better. She nails it!!! You women folk out there, take a listen, and odds are you’ll do the same.” –– @virginialathan274
Stories for Adults
“Little Red”
A fractured Motown version of Little Red Riding Hood
“Twisted Version of Goldilocks and Three Bears”
This is from one of Linda’s performances at the National Storytelling Festival in 2016
“Plastic Glory”
My grandmother loved covering furniture with plastic. Did you know that plastic covered cushions on dining room chairs could talk? Have you ever heard of the plastic covered couch fart?
“I Am Somebody: 2020”
Reflecting on her family, Linda Gorham raises powerful images in celebration of her ancestors in “I Am Somebody: 2020.” African Americans have come a long way … or have we?
“The Story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott”
Rosa Parks is best known for her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. Her action galvanized the growing Civil Rights Movement and led to the successful Montgomery bus boycott.
“The Ization of The Three Little Pigs”
This is a very twisted version of the familiar story.
Stories for Families
“No Time For a ParTAY!”
This video was featured on WTTW television and was sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council. My version is told with permission from Elizabeth Ellis who calls her story Grandmother Spider.
Atalanta’s Race
Atalanta challenges anyone who wants to marry her to win a race, against her. Many men race and fail, but then one wins by using his brains (a rare thing for a guy). This story was filmed for the Story Library
Videos for Children
These videos for preschool children were produced by Governors State University and the Richton Park Public Library as part of a storytelling project called StoryTime, AnyTime.
“Jack and Mack”
“The Cornbread Man”
“Baby Shark” and “Common Sense”
“Why Ostrich Walks on the Ground” and “My Aunt Came Back”
Short Songs: “Apples & Bananas” and “Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin”