Top storytellers whose stories are loved by all across the globe
There is immense joy in listening to stories. Modern day storytellers use technology to create a theatre like experience for the listeners, replete with music, sound effects and perfect lights to go with the mood of the story. A storyteller has the power to take the listeners into a hitherto unknown world where he can literally weave magic with words. The world is awakening to the importance of stories in our lives, and we have many occasions to celebrate them. Here are some brilliant storytellers, from India and abroad, who have been making waves across the globe.
Dan Yashinsky:
Dan Yashinsky is a well-known storyteller, author, and community organiser from Canada. In 1999, he was awarded the first Jane Jacobs Prize for his services as a storyteller to Toronto’s cultural life. He was also awarded a Chalmers Arts Fellowship by the Ontario Arts Council in 2009. Dan co-founded the Storytellers School of Toronto and the Toronto Festival of Storytelling in 1979. In 1978, he also started the longest-running open session in North America: 1,001 Friday Nights of Storytelling. Dan has performed in Israel, Sweden, Norway, Holland, England, Wales, England, Germany, Brazil, Austria, France, the United States, Singapore, and Ireland, as well as throughout Canada. He is also a well-known author.
Sudhanshu Rai:
Fondly referred to as ‘Kahanikaar Sudhanshu Rai’ by his fans, he is the most popular Indian storyteller when it comes to thriller, sci-fi, detective, horror and mystery stories. From leading podcasts to social media to FM radio and films, his stories transport the listeners to unseen worlds with unlimited possibilities. The storyteller made his acting and directorial debut with Chaipatti, and then went on to play the lead roles in web series Detective Boomrah and sci-fi thriller Chintaa Mani. The web series was based on Detective Boomrah, a very popular fictional character created by the actor-storyteller himself. Sudhanshu would soon be seen as the protagonist in an upcoming feature film written by him. While he continues to regularly release new stories first exclusively on his official YouTube channel, he is one of the most sought after storytellers for LIVE Storytelling.
Neelesh Misra:
Neelesh Misra was a journalist before becoming a storyteller. He is from a tiny town in Uttar Pradesh. This author enjoyed telling stories and writing about them. His “Yaadon ka Idiot Box” programme on the radio quickly won over listeners. His tales won the hearts of many, and he quickly became well-known. His go-to opening line for any story is “Mera naam hai Neelesh Misra, Kahaniyaan sonata hoon,” which elicits an exhilarating reaction from the audience. He has worked as a writer and lyricist in several Bollywood films. If you have swooned to these songs – Jaaduhainashahai (Jism), Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai (Woh Lamhe) and Banjaara (Ek Tha Tiger), you will be surprised to know that he is the man behind it. Through his interesting storytelling, he is not just telling his own stories but also works of others.
Katy Cawkwell:
Weaving tales of wonder that paint vivid images in the mind’s eye, her powerful and dramatic performances enchant people of all ages. She has been a storyteller since 1996 and draws heavily from British and European traditions. She has featured in nine international storytelling festivals and she has also had a spot on BBC Radio 3’s The Verb. Even as she works in corporate as well as educational settings, she has performed at The British Museum, The Royal Opera House Adult Education, The Barbican, The National Gallery apart from innumerable schools and organizations. Her course- Storytelling in the classroom has been a hit too. She also runs workshops where she teaches storytelling skills to teachers and adults who aspire to become a storyteller. The passionate storyteller aims to empower the teacher to tell more stories while teaching, making the classrooms interesting.
Geeta Ramanujam:
She is hailed as a storyteller par excellence and even managed to get a mention amongst the noted storytellers of the country by the PM during his Mann ki Baat program. She is legitimately the oldest storyteller in the nation. She also established The Academy of Storytelling, the premier school for aspiring storytellers, so she didn’t just start off as a solo storyteller. Every story, according to the seasoned storyteller, has the potential to change young minds for the better because of how their thinking influences their creativity. She firmly believes that listening well comes before everything else, hence her stories often contain recollections from regular people. Geeta Ramanujam established the Kathalaya Trust, which uses the power of storytelling to try to improve society.
