Under The Influence: Tales from the Classroom

From urban landscape to small town, from freedom to dictatorship, the classroom of our childhood is our window on the world. Our teachers shape us, sometimes for good, sometimes not. Under the Influence is the story about the power two teachers had and eventually gave to two students. These stories are insightful, surprising, and compelling, and they remind us of Henry Adams’ dictum, “A teacher affects eternity”. For more information, contact: Laurie Fyffe, Artistic Manager (mad@ottawastorytellers.ca), 613-322-8336, www.ottawastorytellers.ca) PERFORMERSKathryn Hunt came to storytelling via the Once Upon a Slam story slam series, and since then has told stories of varying lengths on stages, in coffee shops and bars and, once, while stranded overnight on a mountain. She came to Ottawa to go to school many years back, and now edits the independent monthly newspaper The Centretown Buzz, writes on transportation for Metro Ottawa, co-hosts Literary Landscape (a weekly show on CKCU-FM), and blogs about her favourite things, cycling and rock climbing, at The Incidental Cyclist and Rockbumbly. She still picks her battles, but she likes to think she picks them more often than she used to. Born and raised in Argentina, Marta Singh tells in English and Spanish. Her work is deeply rooted in folklore and fairylore, which give her personal material solid grounding. Renowned for the skill of her crafting, her emotional impact, unique expressiveness and passion of presence, performances by Marta are said to leave audiences spell-bound. Marta has performed across North and South America, and was recently part of the epic (12-hour) NAC performances of both The Odyssey and the Iliad. (martabrunosingh.com) INFO NAC’s 4th STAGE (53 Elgin Street) Thursday, April 16, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7:00 Ages 12 and up Tickets: $22, seniors $18; Live Rush & subscription available