Storytelling clubs thrive in Bengaluru

Storytelling clubs have taken the role of grandmas, and are keeping listeners in Bengaluru enthralled. The clubs hold at least one storytelling session a month. They hold more if time and space permit. Vikram Sridhar, member of Bangalore Storytelling Society, says, "Many factors contribute to the popularity of storytelling clubs.

First, the mushrooming of alternative spaces across the city. Second, the mix of people, each trying to find an identity. And finally, the more gadget-associated we are, the more we feel the need for human interaction."

Most members narrate and perform stories drawn from classical and folk literature. "There is a huge need to revive our oral and folk traditions. Our country has folktales rich in philosophy, entertainment and human connect," he says.

Storytelling is an art, believes Geeta Ramanujam, executive director and founder of Kathalaya Trust. "When you tell a story, there's a lot of energy that is passed from the storyteller to the members of the audience. Stories have a healing effect on both children and adults," she says. Many bring children to storytelling sessions because they want to wean them away from gadgets. And grown-ups find the sessions a good break from their routine. "Stories of good quality are sure to have a positive effect on the listener," says Geeta.Face-to-face interactions are more popular than storytelling online, says Ameen Haque, founder of Storywallahs.

"People yearn to get away from technology in every aspect of their life. People enjoy being a part of the real human experience of storytelling," he says.

Story 'addas'
Bangalore Storytelling Society
Call 99457 99224
Languages: English and Kannada
First Sunday and second Saturday of the month at Atta Galatta, Koramangala, for grown-ups.
Last Sunday of the month for children of four and above at Rangasthala, MG Road Metro Station.

The Storywallahs
Write to [e-mail]
Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Gujarati
Session every last Saturday of the month at Atta Galatta, Koramangala.

Kathalaya
Call 82773 89840
Languages: English, Kannada, Tamil and Hindi
Three days a month, over the weekends.