We, Barbara and Gerbert, have been in contact with Melanie Scholtz since 2013. Our journey together started with a film for About Freedom, she participated in one of our Storynights and she has also been featured in Storybook. However, it never came to a live meeting, until 2 weeks ago in Berlin!
About Freedom
Our journey together began with this movie for About Freedom in 2013, which was directed by Nawaal Deane.
About Freedom brings stories about freedom. From far across borders and close to home. In this film, Melanie Scholtz talks to dissident poet James Matthews about the deeper meaning of freedom. She set his poetry to music and it was a life-changing experience for her. “The conversation between James and Melanie, made a big impression on me,” Barbara said.
Melanie and Global Storytellers
Barbara continues, “Melanie and I met digitally over the past 10 years. We worked together in different projects. Last year, we launched STORYBOOK and it features one of her artworks and a complementary story.”
Melanie is a gifted singer/songwriter and collage artist. Take a look at her Instagram to see more of her work.
Meeting in Berlin
“It was Saturday and Melanie was about to arrive in Berlin for a final performance with the Small Kingdom. And Gerbert and I were stuck on the tram that arrived half an hour late.”
“Melanie had found a table in an Italian restaurant and was drawing when we arrived. She had been on tour since June 4, but she was not yet tired of this intense period of travelling and performing. We had a conversation and I sensed our bond that has grown over the years. And still it is an amazing experience of closeness, intimacy and pleasure to be in the same room and sit at the same table and have a drink. It felt so normal and special at the same time. That’s what I’m trying to say. Valuable and close relationships can be woven across the planet, across cultures and across time.”
At the intimate Zig Zag Jazz Club, Barbara and Gerbert enjoyed her performance and her amazing voice. “When she sang the song about the crocodile, she made me smile. What a beautiful song and what a story.” >> Listen to this song.
We are working on new projects and will keep you updated.
♥️♥️♥️ Thank you Melanie! Let’s hope it won’t be another 10 years before we meet in real life.
