Sep 13 2025 to Sep 14 2025 9:30 a.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Storytelling is as old as mankind itself. In recent years there has been a resurgence in Storytelling, applying the narrative process in a wide range of settings, drawing from a variety of origins: in therapy, in community development, in toastmasters clubs, in management, in personal growth labs and so on. It may well become something of a bandwagon soon.

Bangalore Little Theatre (BLT) has developed a unique genre of storytelling theatre, presenting fully rehearsed performances, but in storytelling format. It is called the Courtyard programme. The main features of the programme are:
– Performances in a variety of spaces, not necessarily a stage
– Usually smaller numbers, in intimate surroundings
– Typically two actors – even one as sometimes done
– No staging requirements of sets, costumes, lights, etc. Just good performance!

What will not be easily seen about Storytelling Theatre is that it requires a specialized approach to content and scripting and, therefore, a specialized technique in performance. Those who have seen BLT performances such as Robi’s Garden and Shakespeare By Any Other Name will understand this readily.

Storytelling Theatre in India is a relatively new form that is still evolving. Participants in the workshop will be contributing to its development.

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is meant for those who are already well into the theatre arts and are committed to future work in either theatre making or performance, but with a special interest in Storytelling Theatre. It is not meant for mere “orientation” or armchair exploration. It will be a doing workshop, covering such objectives as:
– To examine and appreciate different forms of Storytelling
– To look at the special needs of storytelling theatre
– To explore the unique skill sets needed in the actor for the above – in body, voice and mind
– To make a beginning in creating a community of theatre storytellers, committed to developing the form.
– The last objective is significant. It is accepted that there can be a limited amount of coverage in a two-day workshop. We hope to continue as a community of storytelling theatre makers.

Please note: The workshop will be for a limited number of participants. All interested in the workshop are requested to register early. BIC reserves the right to finalize the list of participants. There will be no walk-in registrations at the workshop. 

Facilitators

Vijay Padaki
Trustee Emeritus, Bangalore Little Theatre Foundation
Prof. Padaki has worn many caps all his life. One of them is in management, with a special interest in organization and institutional development. He was part of the founding faculty of IIM Bangalore and a tenured Professor there. The other cap has been in the theatre, being associated with Bangalore Little Theatre (BLT) from its inception in 1960. He is particularly committed to dissemination in the Theatre, which is reflected in his long track record in writing and training. He created the Courtyard programme in BLT, now acclaimed widely. He is an internationally recognised Theatre Educator with over sixty years of experience as an actor, director, designer and administrator. In 2024 he received the Lifetime Achievement award of ASSITEJ International, dedicated to Theatre for Young Audiences. Prof. Padaki was responsible for BLT’s annual Summer Project on Theatre (SPOT) that has inducted new faces into the theatre since 1988. Prof. Padaki has written over 50 original plays in English. He is the Series Editor of the unique publications project of BLT, bringing out 10 volumes of plays.

Minti Jain
Associate Facilitator
Minti Jain is a theatre educator in Bangalore Little Theatre. She is a trained trainer-facilitator, besides being an experienced actor and dancer. She was till recently the Coordinator of BLT’s Education Enrichment programme and in the forefront of Theatre-in-Education. Her team developed original methodology in TIE for Sustainability Education in schools.

Naveen Tater
Associate Facilitator
Naveen Tater is currently a Programme Coordinator in the Academy of Theatre Arts. He is an experienced actor with a wide portfolio. He is also a trained trainer-facilitator. Involved in the development of the Courtyard programme in BLT from inception, he is currently the Coordinator of the Courtyard programme. His background in HR Management gives him a strong base in Learning & Development.

Murtuza Khetty
Associate Facilitator
Murtuza Khetty is a writer, actor, director, and educator. He is also a trained trainer-facilitator. He specializes in Theatre Education, leveraging the arts as tools for personal and collective growth. Trained under Bangalore Little Theatre’s prestigious Director Training Programme, he has contributed to the productions in diverse roles, including trainer, mentor, director, and set/light designer. He has directed 10 plays under the BLT banner