- Grethe Mangala Jensen
Once Upon a Time - A long time ago, when things were different!
Before each session , I normally ask:
"How do we start a story?"
Nine times out of ten the answer is: "Once upon a time!", other times it's - "A long time ago " and occasionally: "Let's begin!"
Well, regardless we usually start at the beginning and go right to the end and stop!
I fell blessed and honoured to have been able to share many well known and not so well known tales with children and adults in 2018.
I have told stories and performed one woman story shows at The Horniman Museum (Like a second home to me by now) The London Eye,The Cutty Sark, The Postal Museum, The Jewish Museum and at a number of parks, festivals, libraries, nurseries and schools.
I do still work as an actress from time to time and I thought I should include a 2018 highlight!
I was invited to present a speech at The House of Commons, playing the character of Sophia Duleep Singh, an Indian princess and (most importantly) suffragette!
An amazing and nerve-racking experience!
I was so chuffed that Anita Anand signed my copy of her book - Sophia- What an evening!
(A Time Will Tell Theatre production hosted by The Essex Cultural Diversity Project)
Stories are universal, and many famous fairy tales have, I believe, great lessons but they are of a time....
In my adaptations I aim to honour the original storyline, however avoiding the stereotypical idea of fairytale archetypes, I leave that as much as possible to the listeners imagination.
I have toyed with swapping the gender of certain characters, however I find in some stories it simply doesn't work.
One example is H.C. Andersen's , The Tindebox - In my opinion it works best keeping the soldier male :)
As we are moving into a new year and Christmas is only around the corner, I am already planning 2019.
For Easter a new story show is on the drawing board :
The Hen that Laid the Golden Eggs - loosely adapted from one of Aesop's Fables and an adaptation of Rapunzel is also taking form.
I am also very happy to announce that this year I was asked by acclaimed children's book author Chitra Soundar , if I would be interested in collaborating with her on her story,
The Clever Camel?
Well, of course - an absolute honour to be asked!
We have developed a 30 minute story show, with puppetry, music and lots of Bollywood dancing, aimed at ages 2+ and their families.
Happy to say we have confirmed dates for 2019 ! - And on that note, have a wonderful Christmas and a fulfilling New Year !
