IMAGINE! 2025 | Dee Palanisamy: Voices Unbound - Stories that break the Frame

In the organizer's words:

As part of IMAGINE! 2nd International Festival for Narrative Art in Chemnitz, Dresden & Leipzig

Step into a protected space where unheard stories find their place. Voices Unbound is a storytelling performance that weaves together queer, feminist and long-silenced voices from India's diverse cultural fabric. These are stories that cannot be hidden or overheard.

In this immersive narrative journey, traditional and contemporary stories interweave to challenge dominant narratives and reclaim the power of one's voice. From epics retold from a feminist perspective to contemporary reflections on gender, identity and resistance, each story becomes a mirror that reveals, questions and ultimately celebrates life on the margins.

You can expect a web of myth and memory, laughter and sadness, truth and (re)transformation. You will meet characters who transcend caste, gender and social boundaries, voices that have been in the shadows for far too long. Narrated by Dee Palanisamy, a multicultural storyteller and educator, this evening is an invitation to courage and connection. Voices Unbound honors the intersections of identity, heritage and hope.

This is a space for all who are willing to listen with an open heart. Because some stories don't fit into a frame - and they don't have to.

Step into an intimate space where untold narratives rise and resonate. Voices Unbound is a storytelling performance that threads together queer, feminist, and often-silenced voices from across the Indian cultural tapestry. These are stories that refuse to stay hidden or unheard.

In this evocative storytelling journey, traditional and contemporary tales intertwine to challenge the dominant narrative and reclaim the power of voice. From ancient epics reimagined through a feminist lens, to modern-day reflections on gender, identity, and resistance, each story becomes a mirror, revealing, questioning, and ultimately celebrating lives lived at the margins.

Expect a tapestry woven with myth and memory, laughter and grief, truth and transformation. You'll meet characters who break caste, gender and societal frames, voices that have lingered in the shadows too long. Performed by Dee Palanisamy, a multicultural storyteller and educator, this show is an offering of courage and connection. Voices Unbound honors the intersections of identity, heritage, and hope.

This space is for those ready to listen with an open heart. Because some stories don't fit in a frame. And they shouldn't have to.

Storytelling: Dee Palanisamy (AU/SG)

Notes:

• The event will be held largely in easy-to-understand English spoken language.
• Additional fees apply for advance sales via TixforGigs.
• The Box Office opens one hour before the start of the event (no ticket payment possible).
• Information on the accessibility of the museum can be found at: https://grassi-voelkerkunde.skd.museum/besuch/barrierefreiheit/

Dee Palanisamy (Durgah Devi) is a vibrant storyteller in Melbourne, Australia, drawing on her rich Singaporean-Tamil heritage. Founder of Deelightfultales, she blends ancient wisdom and personal experiences, captivating audiences worldwide.

Dee collaborates with Newport Storytellers and Generation Women Australia, serves as Secretary of the Australian Storytelling Guild (NSW), and is soon to be a Director of the Federation of Asian Storytellers (FEAST). She treasures connecting with global communities through shared stories and cultural wisdom. Dee invites listeners to explore the essence of being human through her engaging narratives.

Dee Palanisamy (Durgah Devi) is a spirited storyteller from Melbourne, Australia. As the founder of Deelightfultales, she delights audiences worldwide with her humorous and lively storytelling style. In her stories, she weaves ancient wisdom with personal experiences, allowing her rich Singaporean Tamil heritage to resonate.

She now works with Newport Storytellers and Generation Women Australia, is a director of the Australian Storytelling Guild (NSW) and is soon to be a director of the Federation of Asian Storytellers (FEAST). She values connecting with the world through sharing stories and cultural wisdom. Dee Palanisamy invites listeners to explore the essence of being human through her captivating storytelling.

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The festival is supported by: Kulturstiftung des Freistaates Sachsen | Landeshauptstadt Dresden - Amt für Kultur und Denkmalschutz | Kulturamt Stadt Leipzig | Märchenstiftung Walter-Kahn | Deutsch-Tschechischer Zukunftsfonds |GLS Bank |Chemnitz Kulturhauptstadt Europas 2025 |

In cooperation with: A project by ERZÄHLRAUM e.V. in cooperation with Taupunkt e.V. Chemnitz, Societaetstheater Dresden, GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Theater der Jungen Welt Leipzig, Budde-Haus Leipzig, Café Terra Leipzig, Kültür Kollektiv Leipzig e.V.

Price information:

Tickets: 17 € / 12 € / 8 € (solidarity pricing system: pay what you can!)