I Knew a Man Called Livingstone

200 years on, meet David Livingstone through the eyes of the Africans who knew him.

Scotland's finest storytelling theatre company specialising in African culture, Toto Tales, is bringing a new production to Scottish venues and schools in 2013. Timed to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Scotland's great explorer and missionary, David Livingstone, I KNEW A MAN CALLED LIVINGSTONE follows the great adventure of the famous Scot's life from the perspective of the African men and women with whom he lived, travelled and worked.
This vibrant, interactive storytelling piece weaves music, movement, images, imagined voices and Livingstone's own words to take audiences on a journey which tells a tale of daring exploration, high adventure and a meeting of very different cultures.

Taking the form of tales told by two of Livingstone’s faithful companions, Susi and Chuma, the piece gives rich glimpses into key episodes in Livingstone’s time in Southern Africa, to reveal a man of determination, strong beliefs and great humanity. The show introduces us to colourful characters such as proud and stubborn Princess Manenko; an Arab slave trader, who’s perspective on Africa is so different to Livingstone’s own; and Sekeletu, Chief of the Makololo, who accompanies Livingstone on his epic Zambezi adventure to the Victoria Falls.

Energetic physical storytelling, live drumming, song and a rich sense of ceremony and cultural traditions give the piece a uniquely memorable and engaging flavour.

Writer Mara Menzies says, “Toto Tale's unique interactive style is the perfect way to bring audiences right into the story. We want to bring Livingstone's history to life by looking at it in a new way. I Knew a Man Called Livingstone is about making this great historical story of Scotland and Africa part of our own story, today.”

Toto Tales has been supported by Creative Scotland to develop and tour I Knew a Man, and is delighted to be a David Livingstone 200 (www.davidlivingstone200.org) event partner.

Written and created by Mara Menzies (Toto Tales), directed by Annie George (Wave Theatre), sound design by Pete Smith, performed by Isla Menzies and Ncuti Gatwa.

•I Knew a Man Called Livingstone family performance and activity, 16th March 2013, 2pm (Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh)

•Toto Tales will be taking part in official celebrations to mark David Livingstone's bicentenary on 19th March 2013, at the David Livingstone Centre, Blantyre.

•Available to schools throughout Scotland, complemented by workshops and a free teachers’ resource pack.

To book tickets for Saturday's performance: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk or 0131 556 9579

For more info: www.tototales.co.uk/livingstone

N.B. Lindsay Corr is Marketing and Communications Manager at Scottish Storytelling Centre