December 14, 2025 | An Interactive Storytelling Performance at Shree Nandi Ratri Secondary School, Kathmandu

This storytelling session unfolded at Shree Nandi Ratri Secondary School in Kathmandu, where Class 5 students gathered for Not I—an interactive storytelling performance by Bansri Pandey.

A room full of eager voices, laughter, and anticipation slowly settled into silence as the story began. And then, one by one, the familiar words echoed—“Not I.” The children listened, reacted, and soon began to see themselves inside the story.

About the Story

Not I is an adaptation of the classic American fable The Little Red Hen, reimagined and written by Bansri Pandey for an interactive storytelling experience. The story follows a hardworking rooster who seeks help from others at different stages—but is repeatedly met with the same response: “Not I.”

Through this adaptation, the story becomes more than a tale—it becomes a space to reflect on participation, ownership, and shared effort.

This session was part of an ongoing series of storytelling workshops at Shree Nandi Ratri Sec School, a public school in Kathmandu. This is organized by the Lions Club of Kathmandu Couples, aimed at promoting reading culture and nurturing a love for stories in a government school setting.

This was the fifth session in the series, and there was already a sense of familiarity in the room. The children were comfortable, curious, and ready to engage. As the performance unfolded, their reactions were immediate and genuine. They responded to the characters, repeated phrases, and followed the journey with full attention. The space felt alive—with moments of laughter, anticipation, and quiet reflection.

The Experience

The storytelling invited participation in simple yet meaningful ways. Children listened closely, imagined scenes, and connected with the emotions of the story.

Some began to anticipate what would happen next. Others reacted to the repeated refusals, questioning the choices of the characters. The rhythm of the story—especially the recurring “Not I”—created both humor and reflection.

The engagement was natural. The story held their attention, while also allowing space for them to think and respond in their own ways.

From Listening to Creating

As this was the fifth session in the series, the experience extended beyond the story itself.

After the performance, children were divided into groups and given stories they had encountered in previous sessions. Each group reimagined their story—through drawing, writing, and discussion.

They created their own versions, shaped by how they remembered and understood the stories. Some focused on characters, others on moments that stayed with them.

When they presented their work, it became clear that each group had seen the same story differently.

This process allowed them to:

• revisit and remember stories
• express their ideas creatively
• share their perspectives with others

More importantly, it gave them ownership over the stories they had heard.

The classroom setting transformed into a lively creative space. Groups sat together, discussing ideas, sketching scenes, and preparing to present. There was a sense of collaboration and excitement as children worked together. Some took the lead in drawing, others in explaining, and some simply observed before adding their thoughts.

The room was filled with conversation, movement, and imagination—extending the storytelling experience into something they could shape and carry forward.

Many Thanks To

• The team of Lions Club of Kathmandu Couples for organizing this initiative
• Teachers and students of Shree Nandi Ratri Secondary School
• Bansri Pandey – Storyteller and Performer
• Himal Bhujel – Photography and Support

Concluding Remarks

Sometimes, a simple phrase like “Not I” can open up many questions.

Through stories, children not only listen—but begin to notice, reflect, and respond. And when they are given space to revisit and recreate those stories, they begin to see them as their own.

With gratitude to the young storytellers who continue to listen, imagine, and create.

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