Kahani: A Reader's Theater Celebrating Your Story (WPB DDA Grant Award)

Through this innovative blend of virtual, digital, and in-person formats, "Kahani" transforms passive spectators into active participants. The goal is to create an interactive and accessible cultural experience that transcends physical and digital boundaries, fostering a sense of shared identity and celebration within the community.

Workshop Series Details:

Location: Mandel Library- 3rd Floor Auditorium (411 Clematis St West Palm Beach, FL 33401)

Timing: 2-4PM

Workshop 1: March 30th - The Celebration of Holi

Workshop 2: July 20th - Disability Pride

Workshop 3: September 28th - Your Voice, Your Vote

**Note: The Mandel Library has a parking garage

More about each workshop:

Workshop 1- March 30th: Learning about Holi with the book "The Celebration of Holi" by Shelly Garg is a vibrant and culturally rich picture book that brings to life the joyous festival of Holi. Through engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations, the book captures the essence of Holi, a Hindu festival celebrated with enthusiasm and love. Readers will follow the characters as they play with colored powders, partake in festive dances, and come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. This delightful book not only entertains but also educates, offering a glimpse into the cultural significance and traditions of Holi. It is a perfect addition to children's literature, fostering an appreciation for diversity and promoting the understanding of different cultural celebrations. "The Celebration of Holi" is a heartwarming journey that celebrates the spirit of unity, happiness, and the beauty of this joyous festival.

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Workshop 2- July 20th: Disability Pride with the book "Awesomely Emma" by Amy Web and illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard. In "Awesomely Emma", Emma is an aspiring young artist who dreams of having her artwork displayed on the walls of a major art museum. She is a strong and resourceful person who can do things for herself. Emma has limb differences, but the difference isn't bad, sad, or strange. It's just different! But when some accessibility problems get in the way at the local art museum, it ruins the fun of a class trip...and then Emma's friend Charley makes things even worse! In the middle of a really bad day, Emma has to call upon her sense of inner awesomeness to stand up for herself and teach everyone a lesson about the transformative power of feeling awesome in your own skin.

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Workshop 3- September 28th: Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act , also known as VAEHA, honored with the book "Your Voice, Your Vote". Discover both the past and present day's fight to vote with Quetta Little as she learns the power of casting your vote in this ideal picture book from acclaimed author Leah Henderson and illustrator Keisha Morris. The perfect companion for any young reader during election year!

It’s Election Day, and Quetta, her mother, and her grandmother embark on their journey to cast their vote. Trekking through their vibrant neighborhood, they meet obstacle after obstacle before—and after—reaching their voting station.

Unwilling to give up, Quetta’s mother and grandmother teach her about the importance of voting and those who fought for their right—and Quetta comes to discover the power of raising her voice.

With warm illustrations, engaging text, and insightful timeline, "Your Voice, Your Vote" will inspire readers to embrace this civic duty in the face of today’s continued fight for voting rights.

The flow of the event:

Welcome: 5 min

Minilesson to Introduce the Topic: 15 min

Storytime with Ms. Kumar: 30 min

Crafting and Creation to Recreate Story: 40 min

Collaborative Re-enactment Performance of the Book: 20 min

Whole Community Conversation and Wrap Up: 10 min

What is Reader's Theater?

Reader's theater is a form of theater where participants do not memorize their lines. Instead, they use what they have learning from listening to a text to create their own visal experience and performance! It is often used in educational settings to improve reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence in students. In reader's theater, emphasis is placed on vocal expression, intonation, and gestures rather than elaborate costumes or sets. This format allows for a focus on the text and encourages collaborative engagement among participants. Reader's theater can be adapted for various age groups and is commonly used in schools, libraries, and community theater settings.

Why Reader's Theater?

We aim to bring the vibrant stories of historically marginalized communities to life through a compelling Reader's Theater and the joy of inclusive critical literacy. Our process involves collaboration with local community members, from toddler to senior, to curate a powerful experience that reflects the richness of identities. The Reader's Theater format allows for a dynamic presentation, incorporating elements of storytelling, drama, and community engagement!

Utilizing the mediums of live performance and crafting, "Kahani" employs a mix of techniques and approaches to advocacy. The project strategically aligns with the local community plan by promoting inclusivity and contributing to a more connected and culturally enriched environment. By supporting every human in their journey with literacy, activism and the arts, the project becomes a catalyst for fostering a sense of unity and pride, rather than a traditional individualistic approach to learning and belonging.

Follow us on IG at @rohisreadery @downtownwpb

The mission of Rohi's Readery is to provide accessibility to all through the love of critical literacy, the talents and gifts of the community, and educational programming. Thus, programming is FREE (paid for by Rohi's Readery) unless otherwise stated on the event site. Donations are appreciated during the event and will go back into Revolutionary Educational Programming. Venmo @rohisreadery

This project is made possible thanks to the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority's (WPB DDA) Placemaking Mini Grant program for 2024.