Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice at St. Paul’s College Hosts 19th Annual Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival

In partnership with the Winnipeg School Division, the Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice was honored to host the 19th edition of the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival (English) on May 8 and 9, 2025. A vibrant celebration of spoken word, culture, and connection, the storytelling festival featured dynamic school programming, educator workshops, and public performances by acclaimed local and international storytellers.

This year’s festival welcomed 12 schools and 15 classes from grades 4 to 8 within the Winnipeg School Division, offering students a rare opportunity to engage with the art of storytelling in a lively, educational setting. Teachers also participated in a specialized Storytelling Workshop designed to support creative learning in classrooms.

The festival’s highlight was the Canadian premiere of The Malaga Ship by renowned international storyteller Antonio Rocha, presented on Friday, May 9. The performance captivated audiences with its emotional depth and historical resonance. Above all, it offered all an opportunity to remember and heal.

Throughout the two-day celebration, audiences were treated to performances by a talented lineup of storytellers, including:

• Loc Lu – An energetic arts educator and performer, Loc brings over 15 years of experience in physical theatre, film, and community arts programs throughout Winnipeg.
• Daniel Thau-Eleff – A socially conscious Winnipeg playwright whose solo shows and workshops explore human rights through a deeply personal lens.
• Jo Dixon – A multidisciplinary artist whose collaborative work in theatre, puppetry, and visual art builds meaningful community connections.
• Cora Matheson – A seasoned actor, director, and acting coach with a background in both stage and screen, including Hallmark film credits.
• Carrie Costello – A playwright known for adapting beloved children’s stories and co-creating historically inspired theatre that tours nationwide.
• Jamie Oliviero – A veteran storyteller and arts educator who has spent over four decades using traditional tales to promote cultural understanding and social justice worldwide.
• Leigh-Anne Kehler – An internationally touring storyteller and playwright celebrated for her heartfelt, humorous Fringe Festival productions.

In addition to the English-language programming, the 2025 Festival du Conte de Winnipeg showcased French storytelling, generously supported by Le Bureau de l’éducation française de Manitoba. More information about this component of the festival can be found at Le Festival du Conte de Winnipeg.

The Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice at St. Paul’s College extends its heartfelt thanks to The Winnipeg Foundation and the Blankstein Fund for Storytelling Dialogue for their generous sponsorship. The Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival continues to be a cornerstone event in Mauro Institute and St. Paul’s College commitment to peacebuilding and cross-cultural dialogue – one story at a time.

St. Paul's College