Storyteller
Made Taro (Indonesia)
Made Taro was born in Bali and has always loved traditional stories, games and children’s songs. He has been a story teller since 1973 and has performed in Indonesia, Darwin, Pretoria and at the Ubud Writers’ and Readers’ Festival.
Made Taro is very passionate about promoting traditional games and believes that engaging in such games teach children valuable lessons such as patience, respect for others and keeps them out of trouble. For the past 35 years he has run Kukuruyuk, a children’s group for 8 – 12 year olds, where he educates children through stories and traditional games such as the gasing (top spinning) and mecungklik (game played with bamboo). Made has worked with disadvantaged and underprivileged children throughout Indonesia. Made believes that play is important for children, and thus he incorporates games and play in his Storytelling performances. His storytelling sessions also include singing and traditional percussion accompaniment. He has written more than 30 books about traditional games, children’s songs and folktales. A recipient of many awards as an outstanding teacher, preserver of culture, storyteller and writer, he was recently bestowed the prestigious Anugerah Kebudayaan (Cultural Medallion) from the President of the Republic of Indonesia in 2009.