ACCLAIMED STORYTELLER LEN CABRAL TO PERFORM IN THE LINDEN PLACE GARDENS
LEN CABRAL
AN EVENING OF ENCHANTMENT
Cabral brings to life original stories and folktales of the islands of West Africa
BRISTOL, R.I. – Linden Place will host internationally acclaimed storyteller Len Cabral on Wednesday, June 2nd at 6:00 p.m. for a free evening of storytelling in the historic gardens.
All are welcome to come sit by the rose bushes, dogwood and magnolia trees in the back garden and be transported to other lands as Cabral brings to life original stories and folk tales from Africa, Cape Verde, and the Caribbean, as well as other places around the world.
Cabral, the great grandson of a Cape Verdean whaler whose grandparents immigrated to America from the islands off the coast of West Africa, has been enchanting audiences with his storytelling performances at schools, libraries, museums, and festivals since 1976. “We’re all connected through the sharing of stories,” Cabral said. “They have a remarkable way of creating bridges between people and cultures across time and space.”
The geographic focus of Cabral’s stories is notable as Linden Place has its own connections to those countries. The historic house was built in 1810 by George DeWolf, a prominent Bristolian who, along with other members of his family, kidnapped West Africans and sold them into slavery at ports around the U.S., Cuba, and the Caribbean.
This storytelling event is part of ongoing programming that focuses on African Americans and the African cultures that have contributed to Bristol’s history. Other upcoming events include an unveiling of Linden Place’s Rhode Island Slave History Medallion on June 19th (also known as Juneteenth) and on June 27th a community reading, led by award-winning actor Joe Wilson Jr, of Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.”
“We’re committed to engaging with and elevating African American history while recognizing the immense contributions African Americans have made to Rhode Island and beyond,” said Linden Place Executive Director Susan Battle.
Len Cabral’s storytelling performance is free and open to the public, rain or shine. Reservations are required. Visit LindenPlace.org/events-calendar or call (401) 253-0390 to secure a spot.
This program, along with the other June events, is funded in part by BankNewport.
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Friends of Linden Place is a non-profit organization responsible for the restoration and preservation of the historic house museum at 500 Hope Street in Bristol, Rhode Island, and for the promotion of cultural, artistic, and educational programs in the community. The mansion and grounds are open to the public from May to October, during the holiday season, and also by appointment.