Renowned storyteller Craig Jenkins wows kids across the city

Stories have the power to inspire, influence and transport you to a whole new world. And for that to happen, all you need is either a good story or an engaging storyteller. Craig Jenkins ha­p­p­ens to be one. Having learnt the oral traditions of storytelling and Indian fol­­­k­tales, the Englishman is now a sto­r­­­yteller to reckon with across the globe.

Today, amid the comfort of books and stories in Kitab Khana, Jenkins will be unleashing tales to captivate his Mumbai audience. His will be a 45-minute set of folktales, known and otherwise. "I prepare the stories in advance, in so much as I know the storyline. But I never memorise them word for word. I keep enough flexibility so I can respond to the individual energy of each audience and can relate to what is happening at that particular time or in that particular place," says the storyteller. "I have been telling some of the same stories for years but each time, it will be different. I will change comedy and references in the story; based on the age of the children, their language, their interests and where in the world they are from. I want the stories to speak and connect to them, and their lives."

Jenkins first discovered the art of performance storytelling as a student at the University of Kent after he met storyteller Vayu Naidu in 2005. In 2011, Jenkins became the international ambassador for Naidu's company in London and headed to India to undertake an artist-in-residency position at the Kattaikkuttu Gurukulam in Kanchipuram, besides participating in storytelling festivals across the country. Since then, there has been no looking back. Jenkins has performed for the BBC, the Barbican Centre and the British Museum among others, and has toured the globe with his stories.

So, what will be different this time? "Even the known stories will be performed in such a way (with new songs, comedy and actions) that it will feel like it is the first time that an audience is hearing them. All stories will be told in my signature style - interactive and fun with lots of hu­m­our," the man, who currently lives between London and Kanchipuram, explains.

Most of the 31-year-old's stories are shared with children and young audiences and, needless to say, he has a way with them. But is it as easy as it sounds? "Children are our best critics because they say exactly what they feel. If they like the story they will tell you, if they love the story they will tell you, if they don't like the story... they will tell you. Working with them helps to keep my inner child alive and to see the world with the same wide-eyed magic and wonder that I had as a five-year-old. The simple things of seeing a butterfly or noticing a rainbow becoming the most beautiful and incredible things, and that feeling of awe and wonder can be translated into my performances," he reveals.

Time: 11 am onwards
At: Kitab Khana, 45-47, MG Road, Somaiya Bhavan, Fort
Call: 61702276

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