The ancient tradition of Moroccan storytelling threatened by entertainment technology

BBC News has posted a very nice short video feature on how the storytelling tradition on Moroccan streets is being threatened by home entertainment technology and a lack of young people taking over the role.

The prevalence of modern entertainment technology – DVD’s, satellite TV, computer games – is the biggest threat to the ancient craft and the only “rescue” seems to come from a UNESCO digital preservation project, accessible via the web.

With all the attention these days to the importance of storytelling in experience design, why then are the historic origins of the trade being lost? Isn’t there a way to enhance the relevance of these people through entertainment technology and to make the craft attractive again for a new generation?

Watch video (2:32)