Storytelling traditions are known in every corner of the world. The art of storytelling is as old as human society. It is described as an art and is commonly known for providing entertainment; it is sometimes indivisible from performing arts traditions, particularly in the Caribbean. But storytelling is much more than that. It has served mankind since the development of language and the evolution of primitive societies as an important part of religion, survival, the world picture, social control and education. Because it is most widely understood as a means of entertainment, its role and importance in human and social development are not much appreciated. Yet, in its function as performance and theatre it has had great impact and generated much interest. However, as an art form it is threatened, and with the advancement of technology and cultural change in modern societies, its role has diminished. There is competition from various forms and new modes of entertainment, from new waves of belief; the social function has declined, and the traditions of telling stories struggle to hold people’s interest.
