An evening of story telling by 'Paramythoseduko' Sunday 21st November 2004 

“…and the King and his Queen lived happily ever after in the splendour of their palace”

This may sound all very familiar, but there is a difference and that is that the story was narrated live, with virtually no props and just a little light music and singing.

‘Paramythoseduko’ which means ‘Chest of fairy tales’ in English, were invited by the Ergastiri to Spetses for two days. They performed, not only to the local nursery school children, but also treated the adults at the workshop to an evening of live story telling. These took the form of old myths and fairytales that have been passed down from generation to generation in true Greek tradition.

The group of three, Niki Kapari (narrative) Yannis Psimadas (traditional instruments and singing) and Evi Mazi (flute and singing) sat together with their small audience on comfortable Greek rugs and scattered cushions. Lighted candles surrounded them and as the lights were turned off, the flickering candlelight on their faces and the large old wooden chest in front of them, created a warm and relaxing atmosphere. There was a distinct air of excitement, curiosity and intrigue as Niki began to weave an old tale of a King and Queen and their quest to find happiness.

At first, although all was quiet, it did take a little while for the story to cast a spell over the listening adults (winding down after a busy day, is not as easy as it should be…). However, Niki was not deterred and five minutes later, as her words began to dance before their very eyes, her audience were travelling with her through ancient cities, rolling plains and new enchanted lands, keen to follow the tale to its end.