For many years I used my background in
theater to write, act and direct Krishna Consciousness dramas. Today, I offer dramatic storytelling
programs in a variety of venues. The following interview was conducted
by Abhay Charana Dasa at New Vrindaban Communications.
***
Q: What do want to accomplish with your cd’s and books?
SKd: I see my work as a bridge in presenting Krishna
Consciousness to the general public. Through my storytelling programs, books,
cds and slide shows, I want to do two things: present it in a way to inspire
devotees and to make Krishna Consciousness interesting and relevant to people
in general.
Q: You recently won a Storytelling World Resource Award for your CD Hanuman’s Quest. What did this mean to you?
SKd. I’ve been involved with the national storytelling
community for 25 years now. At one time I was the West Virginia liaison for the
National Storytelling Network. I’m also with the WV Storytelling Guild. So it’s
certainly an honor to be recognized in the field of my peers. Besides the international storytelling
community, the Storytelling World
Resource Awards are also of great interest to teachers who use storytelling
in the classroom. The Awards are a way of
acknowledging important resources for
these communities.
Q; You are also an award-winning writer and storyteller.
Which do you identify with more?
SKd: Whether you’re focused on the written word or the
spoken word, it’s all about storytelling. My background is in the performing
arts. I enjoy being in front of people. But I also enjoy writing and the challenges it presents.
I enjoy using whatever creativity I have in Krishna’s service. Basically we are
all creative beings. People need to be encouraged to connect with that and use
it in Krishna’s service.
Q:
So what's your secret about storytelling?
SKd: First of all, storytelling is a vital tool
for anyone who wants to present Krishna Consciousness. Srimad Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, Ramayana – these books depict transcendental
knowledge through stories and they are
especially meant for us conditioned souls of the Kaliyuga. Basically, storytelling is about using words
to create images and action. Images can impact people's minds. Ideas and
concepts only to a lesser extent. In Krishna
Book, Prabhupada explains that we have a natural aptitude to hear stories
through reading literature and seeing dramatic performances. When we redirect
our hearing to Krishna’s pastimes we can more easily attain transcendence.
Q:
Why do you think you won this award?
SKd: For one thing, the story of Hanuman is a
fantastic, engaging story. And Hanuman is an endearing personality.
Also, the musical background on the CD really compliments the
storytelling, and I think that helped
sway the judges' decision. The exciting musical score is by Tommy Raga
and Sada Ruchi. Sada Ruchi also did the recording and mixing. I am indebted to
them.
Q:
But what did you bring to the telling?
SKd:
Krishna has kindly helped me develop a dramatic sensibility. The elements of
tension and suspense; of creating a scene or character with a minimum amount of
description; of pacing and moving the story along in a clear and concise way
which the listener can easily grasp. These are all part of the storyteller's,
and the writer's, craft.
Q:
When did you know you had this talent?
SKd:
Well, you didn't really know. Uncertainty can be a compelling force. It keeps
you on your toes. But just like a carpenter - you do have to know the tools of
your craft. You have to work at it. You have to sweat. You have to piece it
together. It's both a craft and an art. And finally you have to pray that
it all comes out right. Man proposes. God disposes.
Q: Do you have anything in the works you would like to
share with us?
SKd: For the 50th celebrations, both last year and this year, I’ve focused on
taking my slide show Journey To The West:
Why & How the Hare Krishna Movement Came to America to colleges and
other venues. I’m also working on two new
books. I have nothing to say about them at this point. Usually, I like to have
a few things in the works that I can bounce back and forth to.
Q: Thank you for sharing your craft with us.
SKd: And you know, I want to offer more workshops and
coaching sessions to pass this craft along to others. Thank you.
Photo: My recent dramatic storytelling performance of Mahabharata at University of Cincinnati
Photo: My recent dramatic storytelling performance of Mahabharata at University of Cincinnati
