November 11, 2025 | Shree Nandi Ratri Secondary School, Kathmandu, Nepal

An interactive storytelling performance of आँटिलो दर्जी (Brave Tailor) was presented for Class 5 students at Shree Nandi Ratri Secondary School. The session, organised as a special storytelling workshop, brought together young learners for an afternoon of imagination and participation. The atmosphere in the school hall was attentive yet lively.

About the story

आँटिलो दर्जी is a Nepali adaptation of the Scottish folktale The Sprightly Tailor, written and performed solo by Bansri Pandey. The story follows a clever and determined tailor who, through wit and bravery rather than brute strength, overcomes towering challenges and proves his capability to a doubtful world. At its heart, the tale explores confidence, perception, and the power of self-belief. For children navigating their own growing independence, the story gently reinforces that courage often begins in the mind. 

The students were deeply engaged, responding to questions, predicting outcomes, and reacting visibly to each twist in the narrative. After the performance, they were divided into groups and invited to draw elements from the story as they imagined them. The drawing activity encouraged collaboration, and creative risk-taking. As they negotiated which scenes to illustrate and how to portray them, students practiced listening, language skills, and shared decision-making. 

Feedback 

“Involvement of everyone in the room was the added attraction.” – Anjita Bista, Principal at Shikhar School 

“This type of story telling will have different effects on children’s brains. Very nice, felt like I am in the story itself.” – Seema Sureka, Abacus Trainer for Nepal 

“Mesmerizing performance. Amazing artists. Kids will always remember this story.” – Soniya Kawodia, President of Lions Club of Kathmandu Couples 

“भूमिका अभिनय सहितको कथा प्रस्तुतीकरण एकदम प्रभावकारी लाग्यो। हजुरहरू ले कुनै पनि विधामा नयाँपन ल्याउन खोज्नु भएकोमा हार्दिक धन्यवाद छ।” – सा.प्र.आ., प्रभा पन्त, नन्दी मा.वि., नक्साल 

This workshop marked the first of its kind at the school, organized by the Lions Club of Kathmandu Couples as an initiative to promote reading culture and nurture a love for stories. It also became one of the first sessions in a series of workshops that The Joy House Collective will conduct with the same group of students.

To make this event a success, we would like to thank: 

• The team of Lions Club of Kathmandu Couples – for organising this meaningful initiative 
• Teachers and students of Shree Nandi Ratri Secondary School – for their openness and enthusiastic participation 
• Bansri Pandey – Storyteller and Performer 
• Himal Bhujel – Photography and support 

We look forward to sharing more storytelling journeys and collaborative learning spaces in the days ahead. If you would like to organise a session for your school, event, or institution, please connect with us via our Contact Us page.