Story Telling

 

It is the telling of the story that so much of the world is in pursuit of. Perhaps this is why storytelling is the fundamental unit of childhood, and in itself a nuanced art that requires interest and training.

Geeta Ramanujam will tell you that Kathotsava 2011, to be held from July 31 in the city, is almost the grand culmination of the things Kathalaya does.

Kathalaya is a storytelling centre, which trains schoolteachers, both urban and rural, in an attempt to introduce storytelling as a valid part of the curriculum.

“Stories have the potential to be told, to be performed, and this festival celebrates the tradition of live storytelling, which is such an important part of cultures across the world,” says Ms. Ramanujam, founder and director, Kathalaya.

She adds that it is the first time that the storytelling festival is being organised on such a large scale, in five cities: Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Vishakapatnam and Chennai.

A special part of Kathotsava 2011 is the Indo-Swedish partnership, which has brought together storytellers, story educators, and puppeteers to entertain and inspire live storytelling.

The line-up includes puppeteers such as Mirella Forsberg Ahlcrona, Buratino and Ola Henricsson, all from Sweden.

This festival will also witness performances of a collage of heritage puppet shows by a Moscow-born puppeteer with his 200-year-old heritage puppets.

The festival begins on July 31 in Bangalore with three shows at the Alliance Française by Mr. Henricsson, Ms. Ramanujam and the Buratino Puppet theatre, who also promise magic.

On August 1 and 2, teachers will be trained in puppetry and storytelling by Ms. Ramanajum, Dr. Ahlcrona and her daughter Amanda and Mr. Henriccson at the Aashirwad community centre, on St. Marks Road.

The workshops and performances are open to teachers, parents, children, professionals, theatre artists, artisans, students and all those interested in knowing what a storytelling fest has in store.

Tickets are available from the café at the venue or email kathalaya@gmail.com or call Kathalaya at 26689856. For details, visit www.kathalaya.org