Paper short abstract:

This paper will tell the story of an oral folk epic that, in the course of 52 years, has traveled from South India to Canada (and beyond). It will detail a variety of ways the tale has been retold and how different audiences have reacted, especially multicultural school groups near Toronto.

Paper long abstract:

This paper will describe the 52 year journey of an oral folk epic and its anthropologist- collector. First tape recorded in rural India this story has now traveled extensively in Asia, Europe and North America. The anthropologist initially transcribed, translated and published a core text. Dissatisfied with the limited academic interest expressed in this version of the tale she later animated the story in 26 episodes by hiring a local folk artist. He was the grandson of a local folk bard, who came to Canada to work on this project. Following this she also produced a 900 page graphic novel, two websites and several museum displays. All these materials have been well received, both in India and in Canada. The story is now being told in several Toronto area schools and has also been performed at a Scarborough street festival. This paper will discuss the varying reactions of audiences and readers to this fresh legend in several parts of the world. It will focus on the wide variety of culturally-linked ways it has been re-framed to make it more locally meaningful.