Kala Chethena Kathakali Company

Hastings Storytelling Festival coming!

November’s just around the corner, which means Hastings Storytelling Festival’s is fast approaching. This year is the seventh festival, with a theme of India Reimagined and a plethora of exciting storytelling events for young and old alike. Naomi Robinson writes.

There’s traditional South Indian storytelling with incredible costumes from Kerala’s finest Kathakali artists: Kala Chethena Kathakali Company at Hastings Museum, a Bollywood dance workshop, Indian cinema, a Curry Cabaret and a talk from local British-Indian author, Umi Sinha.

Benjamin Zephaniah and The Revolutionary Minds. Photo Richard Ecclestone

And fantastic news! Benjamin Zephaniah and the Revolutionary Minds have added an extra date onto their tour, especially for Hastings and Lauren Child, Children’s Laureate and author of Clarice Bean and Charlie and Lola, talks about her stories – both at the White Rock Theatre.

Children’s Laureate Lauren Child

Familiar faces appear in a sphere pulsing with light in Impossible Theatre’s ‘Lightweight’ in Hastings town centre and adorable puppets tell pirate tales in ‘A Heart at Sea’ by Half a String at Sandown School.

Children’s Storytelling Carnival Day brings free live storytelling, activities and a giant India-inspired Carnival Parade to the Stade.

And, as always, there are free storytelling experiences, workshops and performances in local schools, including a free teacher workshop about Global Storytelling and storytellers in residence, the Sujata Banerjee Dance Company who will be cooking and dancing with pupils whilst telling stories. Artist in residence, Sarah Evans, is helping local school children to create carnival costumes to wear in the parade with the help of Notting Hill costume makers.

A Heart At Sea

Mandy Curtis, from 18 Hours, the local events company who produce the festival said ‘We are very grateful to our wonderful Patron, Sir Quentin Blake and for his support and inspiration. And to all our supporters and funders, including the Arts Council England.’

Dick Edwards, Chairman of the Festival said ‘Whatever your age, there’s a story for you and, if you’re under 10, most events are free.’

* Funds raised at ticketed events are used to subsidise free children’s events.

For full information, programme and timings please visit Hastings Storytelling Festival.

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Kala Chethena Kathakali Company

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