Marcella Ronan

Drawing upon early childhood memories of laying her head on her grandpa's big belly while listening to his "cuentos" (stories) during siesta time on hot tropical Sunday afternoons in Columbia, Marcela Mejiia-Ronan began to tell stories at age 12. Story telling has been a pillar of her work as a teacher during the last 20 years, and a significant aspect of her role as a mother.

Stories are an inexhaustible fountain of learning and joy, a searing encounter with the spoken word. It is her hope that the images that she strives to create will travel to you "de corazon a corazon" (from heart to heart). La Cuentera Marcela offers bilingual (Spanish- English) or one language only storytelling performances where audience participation through movement, and circular dances is integral to the theme of the stories. Workshops for teachers, youth groups, or special occasions are also available.

La Cuentera Marcela will offer her stories on Wednesday, October 25 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Copperfield’s Bookstore.

She will be joined in English by Copperield's storyteller, Barbara Spicer, who focuses on traditional folk tales and fairy tales and guides her listeners in learning the nature of traditional tales and the relationships between cultures. Barbara received her storytelling certificate in 1989 from Dominican University.   

Also performing at this event is Carlos Lopez. A musician, Carlos Lopez is a volunteer programmer and technical assistant and coordinator of the weekly bilingual public radio program Buscando America. He has initiated and performed musical accompaniment for numerous community-based theater events, and has created cultural family events for El Dia de los Muertos involving puppetry performance.

An expert on the music of early California (circa 1860), Carlos lectures and performs for museums, schools, and libraries focusing on the music of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This is Carlos’ 7th performance for El Dia de los Muertos, Petaluma.

back to Day of the Dead Petaluma 2007 event schedule>