STORYTELLING PERFORMANCES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Storytelling is a traditional art form that is undergoing an enormous revival worldwide. Live storytelling is an experience unlike any other – it is an act of creation both on the part of the teller and the listener. Each performance of a story is different, not learnt by heart but created in the moment, and – unlike the passive experience of watching television or a film – the listener also participates by recreating internally the images and emotions of the story. For children, and indeed people of any age, this is a stimulating activity that also allows listeners to interpret the story in relation to their own experience. Storytelling is used in many ways – as entertainment, as an educational tool, as a way of bringing people together and fostering a sense of community, sharing cultural differences, and even for healing conflict, loss or bereavement. Stories can be chosen and performances adapted to any of these situations and workshops may be added on to allow children to create their own stories, or take part in additional artistic or language based exercises. Older listeners may learn the skills of sharing their own stories or experiences in a lively and spontaneous way with their families or members of their community. I am always interested in working with people in this way.

I tell a variety of traditional stories from all round the world, but specialise in stories from India and the Middle-East. From my repertoire of stories I can build a programme for any occasion from birthdays to weddings, anniversaries and funerals. I also offer fixed programmes of stories, both individually and with other tellers from The Guest House Storytellers (see below).

Current fixed programmes include:
‘Against All Odds’
What happens when you are faced with overwhelming odds and the situation seems hopeless? An inspiring collection of stories from around the world about ingenuity, courage and sacrifice. This programme was performed at the Healing Words Festival in Israel as part of the Healing Words: Storytelling as a Pathway to Peace programme in May 2009.
Cost: £150 for 60 minutes

‘Stories to Live By’
A collection of stories from many cultures – funny, wise, uplifting and thought-provoking – that contain life lessons for us all.
Cost: £150 for 60 minutes

‘The Wish-Fulfilling Tree’
This is one of the many names of Kali, mother of the universe, protector, benefactor and destroyer, who wears a necklace of skulls and dances on the chest of her husband, the great Lord Shiva. Her story, together with those of other Hindu gods and goddesses, creation myths and teaching tales, makes up this collection.
Cost: £150 for 60 minutes

‘The Serpent King’s Daughter’
This is a ninety minute ensemble performance of an ancient Indian love story full of humour, wisdom and intrigue, adapted by Umi Sinha, and performed by nine members of The Guest House Storytellers.
Cost: Negotiable. 90 minutes.

Special rates for charity events.

THE GUEST HOUSE STORYTELLERS
I am a founder member and regular performer of The Guest House Storytellers, who meet on the second Tuesday of each month at the Hillcrest Community Centre, Hillcrest Road in Newhaven, East Sussex, between September and June. You are invited to come and listen or to tell a verbal story of ten minutes or less. Tellers are picked from The Bag of Destiny on the night. Cafe opens 7pm. Stories start 7.30 pm.