B. George Blake

300 Park Rd. North
Oshawa, ON
L1J 4M2

Fax: 905-579-3601
Email: George Blake
Webpage: www3.sympatico.ca/geoblake.vijja

George Blake specializes in stories from his African/Caribbean heritage and Jataka Tales (Buddhist legends) based on his studies and experiences as a former bhikkhu (Buddhist monk); he also writes his own stories. George uses a combination of AfroCaribbean drumming and storytelling as appropriate. His interests have expanded to a writing, adapting and producing material that blends storytelling, percussion, voice and dance in conveying the story. The Kalalu Folklore Theatre is his medium for these creative endeavours. George's experience as a storyteller along with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Edinburgh equip him to offer workshops on managing stage fright and other elements of performance anxiety.

Publications

The Legend of Harriet Tubman
Ego-By pass: A Buddhist Approach to Managing Stage Fright

Special Programs
Folk tales and drumming from African/Caribbean culture, adapted for different levels from grade one to high school, bringing out the cultural and spiritual function of stories and the drum in these cultures.

I have programs on specific themes available for concert and special presentation, suitable for adult and family audiences. They make up the annual events presented by Kalalu Folklore Theatre. Some have been performed at Listen Up!, the Annual Toronto Festival of Storytelling.

Nov 16, 2008