Masankho – International Storyteller from Malawi, Central Africa now living in Oakland, California.Purpose: To awaken in audiences of the world to the ancient art of storytelling. For years around the world audiencies have been enthralled by stories of all kinds; folktales, tall tales, myths and legends, cultural stories and the list goes on. Masankho will tell stories that meet your needs and his stories which are intergenerational are suitable for Schools, Churches, Large and small Corporations and for individual events.
Modalities:
• Dynamic interactive storytelling which will include movement, bringing the characters alive, the audience will be treated to a fascinating tour around the world.
• Including the audience in most of the stories by having them playing various roles or providing some of the sound and visual effects.
Results:
• Audiences will have an embodied understanding of the characters and localities of the stories.
• Audiences will learn about the cultures of other countries
• By making the stories interactive the audiences will have opportunity to interact with other audience members who they would otherwise not meet.
• They will learn about a great way to build community.
These are some of the stories that I tell:
The Boy who liked to play in the Mud – a story about living with others in community
Why does the Eagle live high up in the Mountain – a story about keeping promises
Peter and Paul and the snake – a story about living together in community
The Laughing River – a story about peace
Dancing and singing on the mountain – a story about peace
The Starfish – a story about courage
The Man who liked to take pictures – a story about sharing
Most of the above stories are interactive and all of them have songs that the audiences will enjoy learning and singing along.
Masankho Banda is a multi - disciplinary Performing Artist, Coach, InterPlayer and PeaceBuilder. He brings many unique perspectives to his work as a Healer and Performing Artist. He learned the fine arts of storytelling and dance from his Malawian culture spending many days and nights listening to stories and dancing to music that captivated his mind, shaped his being, nourished his soul and strengthened his spirit.
Using dance, theater, music, drumming and storytelling Masankho motivates and inspires people of all ages around the world to work together to bring about peace, social justice and cultural understanding. Masankho has had many successes as an Inspirational Leader and is the recipient of the “Unsung Heroes of Compassion” Award from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
