Roald Dahl is called "the world's number one storyteller." Tuesday would have been the 100th birthday of the man who brought us childhood classics such as "James and the Giant Peach," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Matilda" and the "The BFG." Dahl died in 1990 at the age of 74.
Celebrations of Dahl are taking place around the world, including in San Diego.
Events at Balboa Park on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will celebrate Dahl and his work. Those include film screenings, Dahl-inspired art workshops and story readings. The day is organized by the San Diego organization WRITE OUT LOUD, which hosts short story read-aloud events.
The story readings will be done as StoryBox Theatre, also known as the Japanese storytelling tradition kamishibai. They involve a storyteller standing behind a wooden theater and revealing illustrations as he narrates the story and does the characters' voices. Here's a demonstration.
“Roald Dahl has inspired creativity and imagination in readers for generations, and we're thrilled that artistic organizations like WRITE OUT LOUD are honoring him during his centennial. This September (known as Roald Dahl Month) will see a number of wondercrump events going on around the country that will delight chiddlers and human beans alike!" said Anna Orchard, event and brand consultant for the Roald Dahl Estate, in a news release.
Events at Balboa Park on Sun. Sept. 18
House of England
Birthday cupcakes, Roald Dahl exhibit and books
12:15 p.m. - StoryBox: "The Magic Finger"
1:30 p.m. - StoryBox: "The Enormous Crocodile"
Japanese Friendship Garden
11 a.m. - Japanese finger painting workshop ($15 each)
1 p.m. - StoryBox: "The Enormous Crocodile"
2 p.m. - StoryBox: "The Magic Finger"
Mingei International Museum ($5 admission per family)
12-5 p.m. - Japanese lantern making and treasure hunt
2:30 p.m. - StoryBox: "The Enormous Crocodile"
Museum of Photographic Arts
10 a.m. - Screening of "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory"
San Diego Art Institute
12 p.m. - Screening of "The Witches"
3 p.m. - Community read of "The Twits" (sign up for readers at 1:30 p.m.)
Starlight Bowl for Save Starlight
1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. - Narrative of Roald Dahl's experience as a fighter pilot
3 p.m. - StoryBox: "The Magic Finger"
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
1 p.m. - Family day activities
2 p.m. - Organ concert
