Storytellers kick off Cape reading program

Zephyr Goza ran through a crowd of children flapping his arms like he could fly, a sandal hanging from his mouth.

Kimberly Goza chased after her son, holding one sandal and demanding the safe return of the other.

But this was not a family argument. It was the Activated Storytellers performing the Egyptian version of Cinderella for about 50 children and 30 adults at Cape Girardeau Public Library on Saturday. The group's act, "Under Your Nose, Exploring the Obvious," launched the library's summer reading program.

Dennis, Kimberly and Zephyr Goza, otherwise known as the Activated Storytellers, bring stories to life for audiences across the United States. The stories come right out of an oversized storybook. The pages show the scene for the story that the group performs.

The Activated Storytellers do add gags and jokes for adults, but the performances are aimed for children.

"Adults try to hide in the back of the room, like they aren't even there," Kimberly Goza said. "But kids come right up to the front."

Zephyr Goza added: "Kids are more exuberant. I can't run through the crowd without having anybody under the age of 7 grab onto me."

But Zephyr said that reaction helps the performers.

"The more the audience reacts, the more you know they like it," he said, "and that makes you want to put more energy into it."

In addition to flying through the audience in the Egyptian Cinderella, the Activated Storytellers' performance included a version of the how the ice cream cone was created and the story of the boy who listened to birds.

Although he is only 13, Zephyr, the son of Dennis and Kimberly, is not new to on-stage performances. He began performing with the group when he was 3 and has performed full-time since he was 5.

The Gozas have been touring nationally since 1992. The Activated Storytellers perform 200 shows a year and 65 shows this summer. Cape Girardeau was the third stop on the summer tour.

The group contacts libraries on their summer touring schedule to find out the themes of summer reading programs. Dennis Goza then tries to find stories that apply to the themes.

"This year there is a lot of trail themes," Kimberly Goza said. "I guess because of Lewis and Clark."

"Discover New Trails @ Your Library" is the theme of the summer reading program at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

jwachter@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127