In this recorded presentation, I will feature songs, short, stories and poems written by ordinary citizens living in remote and rural Malawi. These contributions were written by the participants of my recently completed fieldwork which examines the role of literature in the day-to-day lives of Malawians as they navigate issues pertaining to health and the body. The piece will show images and video stills from the field, in addition to the writings of the research participants.
The objective is to demonstrate through creative presentation how storytelling and its forms as viewed as vital components of healing. Some are stories from the past, others biblical hymns, and the rest are creations made during our time in the field. The presentation will outline the ways in which songs and stories are composed and constructed as a means to breath energy into a sick body.