Mumbai-based Vanessa Essaki, who hails from Margao, conducted unique storytelling sessions with puppets at recent Goa Book Fair and Children’s Literature Festival at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. She shares more with NT KURIOCITY
SMRITI KOTHARE MARDOLKAR
What made you come here with your puppets?
The prestigious event was happening in my very own hometown, and I definitely wanted to contribute to the cause. It was fuelled by my desire to spread the pure joy of reading and puppet play through fantastic stories written by my mentor, Geeta Ramanujam from her two recently launched books – ‘How and Why of Tales’ and ‘Tales from the World’. When a story relates to a child, stirs their curiosity, and resonates with their innate emotions, an instant connection to the character is built. They are more likely to grab a copy of the book and joyfully take to reading it. This was also a fantastic platform to introduce children to explore and appreciate our rich Goan folktales. My version of the Goan folktale ‘Attulem and Bhitullem’ ignites a fresh perspective the fun way. It allows space for living in harmony, friendship, empathy, and universal acceptance.
How did you feel to be at this festival?
It was an absolute delight to be at the festival. Goa is a second home to me. Leonard and Queenie did their utmost to provide logistical support. The cherry on the cake was the mixed audience of children, teachers, coordinators, parents, and my school and college buddies, who all had an immersive experience. In their own words, I took them back to their childhood.
Why did you choose only these two topics for your sessions?
The objective of any task is clarity, focus, and direction. This is just the beginning. The opportunity to be given two weekend slots by festival director, Leonard, was a sheer blessing! My sincere attempt was to utilise the limited time to the best of my ability. The audience—children and adults—got a flavour of how puppets can be used as a powerful medium to communicate a message in the most engaging and fun way. The well-thought-out activity of making a simple popsicle puppet saw parents explore their own creative side while bonding with their children. The feedback was overwhelming!
What initially drew you to storytelling with puppets?
As a mother of a toddler, witnessing my little boy’s love stories come to life with puppets sparked a thought about how wonderful it would be to share this unique experience with his classmates! That was a decade ago! The passion eventually drew me to quit my corporate job and pursue my love for storytelling through puppets professionally under my banner, FaithMark Puppetry; inspired by my children’s names!
Do you write your stories specifically for puppets, or adapt existing tales?
‘Know Thy Audience’ is a crucial element in choosing the right story. A story has to first speak to you at a deeper level; only then can you, as the teller, be the vessel and carrier of the story! Communicating the apt message is the key! Yes, if I don’t find an appropriate story, I do write one, as the character is etched in my imagination, ready to come alive.
How do you develop the personalities and voices of your puppet characters?
This depends on the sheer understanding and clarity of the relevant purpose of the given story! Keeping the ending open to different possibilities allows my audience the creative freedom to validate their expression and understanding. Voice modulation and variation make the characters relatable.
How do you use body movement and facial expressions of your puppet to convey emotions?
Puppets can convey emotions through physical movements, gestures, and facial expressions, making the storytelling more engaging and expressive.
They can also be used to represent abstract emotions or concepts, making it easier to convey complex emotional ideas.
How do you manage interactions between multiple puppets?
The clarity on the WHY I choose to share a particular story and HOW I am going to treat it organically allows me to interact among different characters and puppets.
How do you adapt your storytelling style to different age groups or audiences?
Being a trainer helps me to curate age-appropriate holistic sessions depending on the purpose of a particular event. To name a few: In educational institutions – as an edutainment tool, especially focusing on self-esteem and taking ownership. At the college level – unfurling innate creativity through expressions. At corporate events – values, wit, and humour. In hospitals – stories of hope and resilience spreading cheer. For corporate storytelling for adults/educators – lessons on conflict management, leadership, team building. For senior citizens – themes of self-worth, embracing your uniqueness, and owning your own story, etc.
Have you been doing puppet play for different categories of people also?
The belief that puppet play is only for children is a pure myth. I have successfully managed to cover a large spectrum through my storytelling sessions and workshops. Puppets are for everyone and stories have a universal appeal! Everytime I go impart my skills, in return, I get back a plethora of knowledge from my audience which I embed into my next programme.
Do you find puppets allow for greater emotional expression than traditional storytelling?
While traditional storytelling can be emotionally expressive, puppets offer a unique set of tools to convey emotions in a more engaging and creative manner, hence allowing for deeper emotional expression in several ways:
Multisensory experience: Puppets can engage multiple senses, including sight, sound, and touch, creating a richer emotional experience for the audience.
Playfulness: Puppets can add a playful touch to storytelling, allowing for more creative and imaginative exploration of emotions.
Empathy: Puppets can help audiences connect with emotions on a deeper level, fostering empathy and understanding.
Have you ever experienced audience members becoming particularly attached to a specific puppet character?
Absolutely! A story well told is active and alive; it triggers a gamut of emotions. A particular character resonates with each audience differently depending on how they receive the story. Puppets add a powerful visual dimension to it!
What are the biggest challenges you face when performing with puppets?
The sheer vulnerability of giving your best out there can be challenging. There can be instances when someone from the audience may not like a particular character puppet, and having the courage to be okay with that is essential! My innate nature of self-evaluation pushes me to reflect on how I can do this differently next time. Additionally, the limited understanding of how powerfully puppetry—a simple art form—can be used effectively and efficiently in all walks of life, irrespective of age, is also a challenge.
What advice would you give to someone interested in incorporating puppets into their storytelling?
Explore different forms and find your own style. There is no one way or method to use puppets. Embrace and be fearless in your pursuit of adopting your uniqueness. Puppets can create a sense of distance between the storyteller and the audience, allowing for more vulnerable and intimate emotions to be expressed. Be open to it. Do it for the pure love of this creative aspect, not just for commercial viability. This is a transformational journey!
“‘Know Thy Audience’ is a crucial element in choosing the right story. A story has to first speak to you at a deeper level; only then can you, as the teller, be the vessel and carrier of the story!”
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The new menu at Fortune Miramar will leave you spoilt for choice with fascinating options from cuisines around the world SHERYL GONSALVES | NT It was a day when the sun struggled to shine through the clouds. The rain beat down against my helmet and didn’t show any signs of letting up. However, even though there were partially waterlogged roads and traffic jams, there was one thing that kept me going – I was invited to try out the new menu at Fortune Miramar curated by executive chef William Dias. The new menu themed ‘Savour’ took two months to curate. Entering the Orchid restaurant in the hotel was a sight for sore eyes. The classy bright interiors were a welcoming visual contrast against the gloomy skies. My colleagues and I enjoyed the colourful mocktails brought to our table and then started digging into the Mezze Platter which had a variety of different dips like Muhammara, Hummus, Tzatziki, Olive Tapenade, Cauliflower Tartar, and Fatoush Salad. They were perfect flavour bombs with spicy and creamy notes. The crispy pita bread elevated the eating experience by providing texture. Mezze Platter We then had Malai Broccoli which was marinated in cashew cream, yoghurt, and […]
The marigold man of Goa
With a deep understanding of agriculture and a desire to bring locally grown marigold flowers to the Goan community, Amona-based farmer Krishna Sinari has embarked on the high-tech venture of marigold farming. RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT Inspired by the need for locally grown marigold flowers, Krishna Sinari, the owner of Prakriti Farm Products, has started a high-tech venture of marigold farming in a 3,000-square-meter plot. With a total of 5,000 plants, his farm boasts vibrant yellow and orange marigold flowers. The inspiration behind choosing marigold flowers as the primary crop stems, he says, is that even though Goa has a suitable environment for its growth, a majority of the flowers are brought in from other places. “Marigolds are essential for Diwali celebrations. So I chose to start my own marigold production to meet the local demand,” says Sinari, who holds a diploma in agriculture and has done various courses to enhance his knowledge in the field. Currently enjoying his first marigold harvest, the next crop of flowers will be during Diwali and later for Tulsi Vivah. After that, he will move on to the next crop. Sinari has previously cultivated hybrid chillies and lady fingers and plans to explore other […]
Goa-based musician ‘Discokid’ to perform at Serendipity Arts Festival 2023
Among the eight exceptional music artists handpicked for the B-side Music Production Residency programme, ‘Discokid’, a Goa-based musician will be performing at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023. The 11-day workshop concluded in Olaulim recently and was organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. The eight artists namely Dzerouengmit Lepcha, Fatima Hakeen (Discokid), Lenix Lobo, Hasan Shahrukh, Govi, Ashel Unger, Rushaki Ghosh and Medhaj Dempo, delved deep into the intricacies of music production using Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation during the residency, which formally culminated on October 20. The residency was mentored by industry experts, including Jay Pei, Megha Balani, SHFT and Puneesh Suri. Fatima Hakeen aka ‘Discokid’ is a musician and producer based out of Goa and has been featured in well-known online music shows like Mixmag Goa and Worldwide FM. Over the eleven-day intensive program, the participants explored a myriad of techniques, from working with audio clips and MIDI basics to advanced production methods, honing their skills and collectively broadening their creative horizons. “Each participant brings a unique flavour to the table: from Dzerouengmit Lepcha’s soulful melodies to Discokid’s groovy beats, Lenix Lobo’s experimental sounds and Govi’s fusion of Carnatic vocals with indie and alternative genres. Hasan Shahrukh, with his expertise in […]
Glow of Epiphyllum – Brahma Kamal flowers of Goa
Recently, I came across a news story about a record-breaking bloom of 28 Brahma Kamal flowers in Goa. The spectacular sight of its prolific blossoms in the video took me on a trip down memory lane. We, too, had this beautiful plant in our garden, lovingly tended by my grandmother. Commonly referred to as ‘Bramhakamal’ in Goa and likely across the country, this plant is scientifically known as Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. Belonging to the Cactaceae family, it is an exotic plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Interestingly, it has no botanical connection to the true Bramhakamal species, scientifically named Saussurea obvallata, which is found and revered in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan regions. The slight resemblance between Epiphyllum Oxypetalum and the original Bramhakamal may explain the confusion between the two. Also known as the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus or Queen of the Night, this flower truly lives up to its regal title. In our garden, this plant held a special place in my heart. Its slightly puffed, elongated leaves distinguished it from the other greenery. The celestial blooms appeared rarely, usually between July and September. One of the most unique aspects of this flower is how it unfurls its […]
Festa do Povo: Festival to Showcase Goan Heritage, Food, & Culture
The well-known community festival, Festa do Povo, returns to Panaji again, to promote Goan culture and heritage. The festival is coordinated through community involvement, with assistance from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji, along the pedestrian walkway lined with mangroves at Patto Plaza near the Spaces building. Residents from various wards in the city, who reside in heritage homes and blocks, participate in the festival’s planning. What food can you expect here? It ranges from Goan-Portuguese to Hindu Saraswat to Muslim dishes, cooked by local home chefs, Panaji restaurants, and even international chefs. The food section of the festival showcases Goa’s rich culinary diversity across various religious communities. Additionally, a special Feni bar and beverage station featuring local drinks will enhance the festive atmosphere. Day one (December 14) will feature traditional Shigmo dances and children’s craft activities curated by Bookworm, a -book store for children. Participants can enjoy a variety of performances, including the Kaustubha Ballet, the beloved Stuti Choir, the traditional dekhni dance, and enchanting melodies by the Sound of Music. On the second day, December 15, there will be brass band performances, percussion displays, and carol singing by students from Nirmala School. This […]
A literary wonderland
The Goa Book Fair & Children’s Literature Festival is all set to bring together book lovers and storytellers RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY Imagine a place where children can enjoy stories, meet their favourite authors, and explore books that spark their curiosity. That’s exactly what they’ll get at the Goa Book Fair & Children’s Literature Festival, scheduled from February 27 to March 3. A new addition to the annual Goa Book Fair, which has been running for two years, the Children’s Literature Festival is organised by The Dogears Bookshop, Margao, in collaboration with Publishing Next. According to co-founder of The Dogears Bookshop and the festival Leonard J Fernandes, it aims to create a dedicated space where children can engage with books, interact with authors, and develop a love for reading. He believes children remain drawn to good stories and engaging illustrations. “They’re selective about what they read and often influenced by their friends’ choices. They prefer books that engage them, which they can relate to and understand,” he says. Further, he stresses the importance of children’s literature in developing a love for reading. “Studies show that reading a wide range of books helps children think critically, research better, and spot […]
