Telling Stories

Since the dawn of history, artists have been telling stories through words, pictures and music. In this episode of Spark, meet artists who are continuing the tradition, fusing ancient and contemporary techniques and content.

Dedicated for the past 30 years to the study and practice of the ancient Balinese art of shadow puppetry, Larry Reed adapts it for contemporary audiences using modern multimedia technology.

Marc Bamuthi Joseph is a modern day griot (African storyteller) who tells his original stories through a combination of acting, spoken word, movement and rap.

Asian storyteller Brenda Wong Aoki collaborates with Cherokee storyteller Gayle Ross in a performance of “Fire in Heaven,” combining the oral traditions and mythical archetypes of many ancient cultures to create a fresh and entirely contemporary performance style.

Telling Stories 10 August,2015Spark

In this Episode


Brenda Wong Aoki

Meet storyteller Brenda Wong Aoki as she shares ghost stories with Gayle Ross.



Larry Reed

Catch master shadow puppeteer Larry Reed behind-the-scenes of a traditional Balinese tale in which he plays 40 different characters.



Marc Bamuthi Joseph

Meet Marc Bamuthi Joseph, who combines spoken word, rap and movement in his performances.


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