Anne E. Stewart

Storyteller/Performer

Anne E Stewart is an acclaimed storyteller with an international reputation. A versatile performer Anne has the energy and voice to engage any audience. Her focus is on the shared stories of Australia honouring Indigenous, Celtic, Asian and World stories.

Anne has told stories in some of Australia’s major cultural institutions, art galleries and libraries as well as on ABC radio and TV. She has been invited guest at Storytelling festivals throughout Australia, the UK and in Mexico and Colombia. Anne is a consummate MC with the ability to create shows tailored to audience needs.

Where were you born?

Melbourne CBD, right on the edge of the Fitzroy Gardens at the Mercy Women’s Hospital.

What other jobs have you had?

A smattering of part-time jobs in, pubs, cafes, bookshops and a stint as a cook on a prawn trawler. However my first job out of University was as children’s librarian in the Darwin Library and it proved to be life changing. The Territory introduced me to a whole dimension of Australia I knew nothing of: indigenous Australians and their stories of the land.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Maurice Saxby was an early inspiration with his book Give them Wings. I always wanted my storytelling to develop a love of language and literature in my listeners. Over the years I have broadened my intent and talk of Cultural Identity, Social Justice and the shared stories of Australia.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Seeing my name listed alongside other literary luminaries who have been guest speakers at the Dromkeen Dinner. When Maurice Saxby thanked me and said “Pat Scott (renowned Oz Storyteller) would be proud of you” I could hardly hold back the tears.

The opportunity to tell stories to over 4,000 people as part of the Eureka 150 World Music Concert. As MC I wove the story of the uprising and its many players into my introductions.

Being invited to Scotland for Robbie Burns 250th birthday celebrations by the Scottish Storytelling Centre. See details here.

Eight weeks on a storytelling tour of Mexico and Colombia in 2007.

What are you passionate about?

Changing the world one story at a time. Caring for people, our environment, our communities and developing a repertoire to support it.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I love the way children gaze at you after you’ve told them stories. It’s like a look of recognition that we have been on some big adventure together. Which we have, we’ve travelled the world.

Corporate Australia has realised the importance of telling stories to business. I want to be at the forefront of trainings that include corporate ethics, business ideals, working for the common good and environmental sustainability.