These storytelling groups engage, inspire everyone

Weaving words

The rainbow bird offered its radiance and soulful voice to rescue the earth by waking up the sun. Telling and re-telling this story to adults and children delights Shreya Biswas.

The founder of Katharangam, an organisation that spreads the magic of story telling, reveals with a sombre smile that the bird is none other than our common crow.

Shreya is one of the many in the city who made storytelling their way of life. The city is home to a number of storytelling groups that seek to intrigue and inspire the imagination of children and adults alike.

“Stories communicate and connect by creating an atmosphere of non-judgement. They also help facilitate emotional healing through the power of listening and sharing,” Shreya said, pointing out that storytelling is used in several fields.

A performing art, storytelling makes the teller the narrator and a character in the story. She began her storytelling career, narrating to children in orphanages and institutions for children with disability.

Shreya is a multi-lingual storyteller, who relates her tales in English, Hindi, and Bengali. She conducts workshops for teachers, senior storytellers, and corporate/soft skill trainers.

Storyteller Priya Muthukumar, founder of Storipur, focuses on instilling social responsibility through tales revolving around environmental concerns and community building.

“Unlike theatre or any other form of entertainment, storytelling is an art that engages people and connects them. It triggers their imagination and seeks to instill a sense of hope,” Shreya said.

“Storytelling has become an integral part of the city’s culture, with more storytelling groups being formed. The city’s rich culture, history, and openness to try new things can be a reason for the same,” Priya added.

The storytelling groups in the city include the Storywallahs, Kathalaya, Ever After and Bangalore Storytelling Society.

A storytelling session at Katharangam.