Storytelling is a ubiquitous part of human communication and is as old as civilisation itself. In today's stressful lives, storytelling retains its charm albeit the continuing stronghold of television. So when the British Council in Bangalore called upon documentary film maker and theatre trainer, Ranjan Kamath to narrate Vikram Seth's “Beastly Tales- A collection of Poems”, each fable came alive in Kamath's well-modulated, baritone voice.
Imparting wisdom
Whether you consider the well-known western fables of Aesop and Jean de la Fontaine, the celebrated Indian fables: Panchatantra, Jataka Tales, Hitopadesha, Vikram and Betal, or the familiar Middle East fables: Arabian Nights, fables continue to be one of the best communication tools to impart a lesson and help children and adults resolve their issues and dilemmas.
The animal characters in the fables make them non-threatening while their anthropomorphised (having human qualities) personality makes it possible to identify with them.
The book has a compilation of beautifully-written blank verse from India, China, Ukraine and the imaginary Land of Gup.
“Verse drives home points on issues such as global warming better than prose. Verse also helps you appreciate the pathos of the situation, making the story and its maxim linger longer,” Kamath observes.
Although some of the tales in “Beastly Tales” are recycled from well known fables, they are still worth reading, and listening to, as Seth has masterfully adapted them to present times and given the climax an unexpected twist. The ‘Hare and the Tortoise' for instance is remarkable, for it reverses the conventional ending, making the tortoise, the hero ignored while the hare despite being the loser, celebrated in big gala evenings and magazine features, typical of today's reality.
Talking about Seth, Kamath says: “He is an exponent of blank verse, blending current issues into his narratives and making them relevant for kids and adults alike.”
Rapt attention
As Kamath made words come alive through the dramatic reading of the stories, children and parent sat in rapt attention.
It is however regrettable that just a handful of people attended this enjoyable session.
For those who missed it, there are more events lined up on June 5 and thereafter at the British Council, Kasturba Road, Bangalore. Call 80 2248 9220 for more information.
