Tamadas needed
One of the most exciting changes we’re making at Transformation Table is bringing in community members to facilitate dinners, who will become the backbone of Transformation Table. Our goal is to create a sense of community ownership of Transformation Table and allow for more diversity of voices at the Table – something we are committed to and strive to improve with each dinner.
As we were planning the Community Table Dinner at the Charleston Wine & Food Festival, we recruited ten past Transformation Table alumni who volunteered to serve as conversation “facilitators” at the 100-person table. We didn’t like the word “facilitator” because it sounded too much like a workshop. Cristina Turcu, one of the volunteers and from the Republic of Georgia, suggested the word “tamada.” It means …”toastmaster at a Georgian feast or at a wedding.” Since we aren’t in the wedding business, we’ll take the feast! Tamadas are traditionally thought to be eloquent, intelligent, smart, sharp−witted, and quick−thinking, with a good sense of humor.
After reading more about the qualities of a good tamada, we love how they relate to Transformation Table.
Qualities of a good tamada:
1. One who is good with words, who speaks clearly and cleverly, who can say in an original way things which are heard over and over again at every supra. At Transformation Table, it’s all about the conversation.
2. A good tamada must be able to organize well, as he is almost entirely in charge of the entertainment. He has to decide which toasts to drink and when and how often to propose new toasts so that a good rhythm is established. He has to orchestrate singing or dancing, if there is such, between stretches of toasting so people stay attentive and entertained. While we don’t sing and dance at our Tables, our Transformation Tables do have a certain flow – of drink, food, and conversation.
3. Sensitivity. The tamada should have a good feel for the mood of the table and try to maintain a pleasant, upbeat atmosphere in which all members are participating. The table should have a kind of unity, said one Georgian, which is the responsibility of the tamada. He should notice if certain members begin to pay less attention and draw them back, perhaps with a special toast or by making them “alaverdi”. At Transformation Table, we strive to make everyone around the table feel included and safe to share.
4. Finally, a good tamada has to be somewhat forceful to get people to pay attention to the toasting and to get everyone to drink each toast. This gets harder as the evening wears on, and some people would rather talk than toast. Last, but not at all least, a good tamada must also be a good drinker; the tamada is expected to empty his glass on each toast, but it is considered disgraceful for him actually to get drunk. At each Transformation Table, we always begin the meal with a toast!
If this feels like you or someone you know, let’s talk. We’re looking for ten community members to serve as tamadas, including young adults. Our first training will be in September, and dinners begin in October. You’ll love it. We promise. Reach out today at connect@transformationtable.org or complete our interest form.