Our dream is to see an INDIA WITHOUT STAGE FEAR! Aapki kahani. Aaphiki zubaani! Resurrecting the ancient art of oral storytelling.
_Purpose_
This is a storytelling group. What better way to learn than learning by doing, with some gentle critiquing? We tell stories on stage and help each other get better at it.
_Code of conduct_
This group is a friendly, welcoming and safe environment for individ
uals of all kinds, regardless of level of experience, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, dis/ability, personal appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, or other similar characteristics. You might encounter people you don’t like, or strongly disagree with. Unless you’re being attacked, be nice anyway. Be respectful of others’ opinion, even when you don’t share it. Insulting, harassing, bullying, victim-blaming, racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise demeaning language is not tolerated here. Take note of how much space and time you are taking in the group relative to other people. We’d like to ensure everyone feels able to participate. No cross talking, please, and no interruptions while others are talking. We value all voices - so let's hear them all, one at a time.
_What kind of story do I tell?_
It could be something you heard from your grandmother, something you read, something that happened to you or something you wrote. It can be a joke, a soliloquy, or a seemingly unconnected series of events that magically transform into a beautiful punchline. Basically anything that can grip the audience! We’re here to focus on our storytelling technique, not how to write stories. Please keep your story to under 10 minutes in length, so we all have time to participate.
_I’m not that comfortable with English..._
That’s great! Please bring a story in whatever language you want. It’s always an interesting challenge to communicate with an audience that doesn’t understand your words.
_I have a suggestion..._
Great! This is all very new, we're open to experimentation. We expect the group to change and become what we want it to be. We might hold different kinds of events - like horror stories at a haunted house, or themed stories, or whatever it is you suggest.
_How to give feedback_
The most important aspect is to be constructive. Ask yourself, what would anyone gain by hearing me say this? Be crisp and short as possible. Offer suggestions for improvements of the storytelling technique, not belief systems or personality. We’re here to help critique behaviour, not people. Try to think of at least one positive thing to say, no matter how minor, especially if you’re offering suggestions for improvement.
_How to receive feedback_
Being criticised is hard. It’s also really valuable. By sharing your story, you’ve asked for others’ opinion, so get what you can from the experience. Remember you’re listening to suggestions and opinions, not instructions on how to live your life. not every technique will work for everyone, or for every situation. If you do find yourself becoming defensive (“That wasn’t part of the story! There’s all this stuff you don’t know…”) take a deep breath, remind yourself that you are listening to suggestions only, and try to listen to the best of your abilities. You don’t have to take it on board. Thank the people offering you feedback. They’ve taken the time to listen to you, consider what can be improved, and bothered telling you about it. We meet every two weeks and go for about 2.5 hours, with a break.
