EMILY HENNESSEY is a dynamic performance storyteller often found wielding a stick and stamping her feet as she embraces epics, myths, wondertales and folktales from across the world.
Work and travel in India have kindled in Emily a great love of Hindu mythology. She’s journeyed over 10,000 miles across India by train, bus, rattling rickshaw and rickety bicycle. She’s lived with a yak-herding family on the Tibetan plateau, studied Kathakali dance-drama in Kerala and worked at the Kattaikkuttu School in Tamil Nadu, learning from the children who perform stories from the Mahabharata through music, dance and song.
With a Swedish background, Emily also has a passion for the Norse Myths and Scandinavian folklore, including a particular fascination with that curious hairy creature – the Troll.
Emily came to storytelling while studying Drama & Theatre Studies at the University of Kent where she met storyteller Dr Vayu Naidu. Emily completed a storytelling apprenticeship with Vayu, and later trained with Ben Haggarty. She’s also had the privilege of training with Indian Pandvani performer, Ritu Verma.
Recent performances include the Soho Theatre, Richmix, British Museum, the Earthouse and York Theatre Royal with the Crick Crack Club, the Royal Opera House, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Viking Ship Museum in Denmark, Nordic House in Iceland, Kathakar Storytelling Festival in Delhi, tours of India with British Council and many European clubs and festivals. Emily is also a key member of the Pandvani108 ensemble.
Emily lives in Cumbria with her children and husband, storyteller and musician, Nick Hennessey.