Event Details

Mumbai Storytellers Society Presentation.

Earth Democracy is deeply rooted in the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family”. This profound Sanskrit phrase highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and reinforces the idea that we are all part of a single global family. It serves as the core theme for our festival.

The fifth edition of this two-day festival will showcase a rich tapestry of stories, featuring histories, legends, Women of Ancient India, intergenerational storytelling, reimagined tales from our past, ecofeminist narratives, and enchanting stories for children.

Storytelling plays a vital role in preserving the culture and beliefs of communities, passing them down from one generation to the next. This is the true significance of oral traditions.

On each day, international storytellers alongside domestic talent from across India and Mumbai will enchant the audience with a wealth of culture, tradition, and diverse storytelling styles.

Day 1
Geeta Ramanujam the doyen of Storytelling in India will be felicitated by Mumbai Storytellers Society for her contribution in the field of Indian storytelling.

Geeta Ramanujam is a master storyteller, trainer, founder and executive director of Kathalaya’s International Academy of Storytelling and Kathalaya Trust. A pioneer of the storytelling movement in India, Geeta has defined and evolved the ancient art of storytelling through workshops and certified courses.

Kathalaya’s International Academy of Storytelling is the only globally recognized academy for storytelling in the world with accredited courses affiliated to USA, Scotland and Sweden.
Geeta will capture the pulse of collective storytelling emphasizing diversity and harmony.

Abhinaya Katha by Apeksha Niranjan
Apeksha Niranjan a Bharatnatyam dancer, choreographer, art educator and a film actress from Mumbai is the first artist to incorporate Gregorian Chants into traditional Bharatnatyam performances and the 1st Indian Classical dancer who has choreographed Bharatnatyam recital on traditional Polish Folk music.

Apeksha presents the inspirational story of Noble Laureate Scientist Marie Curie who is famously known as ‘Madam Curie.’

This unconventional Bharatnatyam recital takes you to the 18th and 19th century of Europe and showcases the experience during the noble winning research.

Ameen Haque is a poet, storyteller and a teacher of the craft presents Na Hindu, Na Musalmaan: Kabir Ki Dastaan, a dastan-goi–style storytelling performance that brings the life, thought, and songs of the poet-saint Kabir alive through Urdu narration and music. Moving between story and song, the performance traces Kabir’s journey as a weaver, a mystic, and a fearless questioner of identity, ritual, and belief.

Mehak Mirza Prabhu
Storytelling is not a performance, it’s a conversation”, says Storyteller | Scriptwriter | Life Coach Mehak Mirza Prabhu. Mehak presents her original written Hindi stories touching upon the complexities of today’s times, bringing them alive on stage as she transforms into multiple characters. Blending depth, humour, and spontaneity, the performance creates a highly interactive storytelling experience.

Day 2
Mara Menzies
Mara the Storyteller is a multi-award-winning narrative artist, author, and nature lover from Kenya. She celebrates her dual Kenyan and Scottish heritage to explore the human experience through myth, legend, and fantasy.

Mara brings for Children “The Great Tree of Stories.” An interactive journey to the African savannah where a wise old Baobab tree holds the secrets of the world. Mara uses rhythm and movement to tell how animals from far and wide learned to live as one family. It’s a high-energy session about kindness and our shared connection to nature.

When Earth Was a Woman. – Eco Feminist Tales
Usha Venkatraman
Usha is the founder of Mumbai Storytellers Society and Festival Director and Producer of Mumbai International Storytelling Festival.

Usha will be presenting stories about ecology and conservation that speaks of the sisterhood between Women and Nature.

Lavanya Prasad
Lavanya Prasad is an electrical engineer who unplugged from wires and discovered that stories create far more powerful connections.

Lavanya will bring to life the folklore of how Villupaatu came in to being. The story of “Thenpaandi naatu Raja” and how singing his truth healed him in the most musical and magical way.

Lavanya presents Villupatu (Bow Song) is an ancient musical storytelling art form from Tamil Nadu.

Box Office: 9th July for Members & 12th July for Public.