Len Cabral (USA)

Len Cabral is an internationally acclaimed storyteller who has been enchanting audiences with his unique, personable storytelling performances at schools, libraries, museums and festivals since 1976. A popular storyteller at theatres, schools and festivals throughout the United States, Len has performed at festivals in Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Holland and Canada. He is the recipient of the National Storytelling Network 2001 Circle of Excellence Oracle Award.

A great grandson of a Cape Verdean whaler whose grandparents immigrated to America from the islands off the coast of West Africa, Len’s strong Cape Verdean ancestry comes alive in his exuberant retelling of African, Cape Verdean, and Caribbean folktales as well as original stories and tales from around the world. As a performer, Len uses poetry, song, movement and humor to create settings where the imagination can soar. Cabral’s repertoire includes traditional tales from folklore and fable, imaginative yarns from far-off places, and heartwarming stories from his own family, which he weaves into a magical performance that introduces his audience to imaginative literature, history, and culture.

The author of a children’s book for young readers and contributing to several folktale collections, Len also has five CDs and audio cassettes featuring a wide range of his favourite stories, several receiving National Parents Publication Awards (NAPPA) and Parents’ Choice Awards. For teachers, librarians, caregivers and aspiring storytellers, “Len Cabral’s Storytelling Book” published by Neal-Schuman, New York is an excellent resource on how to begin telling stories, filled with 22 stories from around the world with telling and teaching guides, storytelling games and an extensive bibliography.

Website: www.lencabral.com