Performative storyteller Mara Menzies ignites the stage at SFAL

Before beginning her performance, Menzies shared her opinions on the incredible power of storytelling. She noted that while stories in books are “captured in stone,” live storytelling is an ever-evolving art that allows for adaptability, where performers can infuse their own “spices and flavors,” making each telling of a story unique.

The tale of “Washu and the forbidden meat”

The centerpiece of Menzies’ performance was her tale, “Washu and the Forbidden Meat,” inspired by Kenyan folklore. The story delved into the life of Washu, a courageous and curious woman living in a community bound by the age-old taboo that forbids women from eating meat. While the origins of this custom remain shrouded in mystery, Washu, driven by curiosity and defiance, secretly tastes the forbidden food, leading to a dramatic confrontation with her community and her husband, Kamau, a respected elder.

Through the story of Washu, Menzies highlighted themes of traditions and the ripple effects of societal challenges. The tale resulted in a vivid and thought-provoking exploration of culture and tradition, blending humour and emotion through her talent of storytelling.

Interactive storytelling at its finest

What made Menzies’ performance truly unforgettable was her innovative and interactive storytelling approach. From the start, she involved the audience by teaching them a call-and-response phrase in Swahili: “Hadithi! Hadithi!” (Story! Story!), to which they enthusiastically replied, “Hadithi Njoo!” (Story come!).

Menzies spontaneously invited members of the audience onto the stage to play key characters in her story. This unexpected participation added a layer of humour and excitement, turning the performance into a shared experience. Among the participants was Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah, who delighted the audience with his impromptu role in the unfolding narrative.