Mara Menzies is an award-winning performance storyteller and author, best known for her novel Blood and Gold: A Journey of Shadows (2021) and innovative storytelling production. She has won significant recognition, including the Stage Award for Acting Excellence at the Edinburgh Fringe 2022 and the Scottish Saltire Society Book of Fiction award in the same year.
Mara Menzies was born in Edinburgh to a white Scottish father and a black Kenyan mother. She spent the first 13 years immersed in the rich storytelling traditions of her Kenyan heritage. At the feet of elders and travellers, she absorbed stories that reflected Africa's values, beliefs and environment. After moving to Scotland, Mara found the opportunity to hear these stories diminished. This change led her to pursue a career in the arts and media, always with a focus on African narratives.
Mara's storytelling production, Blood and Gold, explores the legacy of colonialism and slavery through myth, legend, and fantasy. It delves into the complex histories and emotions tied to these themes, presenting them in a manner that engages and educates audiences. Her novel Blood and Gold: A Journey of Shadows continues this exploration in written form, earning her the Scottish Saltire Society Book of Fiction award in 2022.
Drawing on her dual Kenyan and Scottish cultural heritage, Mara shares stories about fear, joy, love, jealousy, passion, and mystery. She has shared her stories in over 27 countries, finding common ground in the truths about humanity that these stories reveal.
In addition to her storytelling and writing, Mara works on private commissions, crafting bespoke narratives for organizations worldwide. Her journey began with sharing stories with young children, and she continues to do so whenever possible. Inspired by her children, she has self-published two books, Koko the Crocodile and Starbird, inspired by a line in a Ben Okri novel.
Mara's stories have appeared on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 4, including The Poet and the Echo. She writes for MOSAIC and is currently working on her next novel. Her dedication to storytelling and her unique perspective have made her a respected figure in contemporary literature.
In addition to her literary work, Menzies founded the social enterprise Uwanja wa Ndoto (Field of Dreams). Located on a 180-acre baobab forest in Kilifi County on the Kenyan coast, this initiative celebrates the natural environment, community, and culture through a unique heritage trail.
Mara Menzies lives in Edinburgh.
Photo credit: www.marathestoryteller.com
Mara Menzies was born in Edinburgh to a white Scottish father and a black Kenyan mother. She spent the first 13 years immersed in the rich storytelling traditions of her Kenyan heritage. At the feet of elders and travellers, she absorbed stories that reflected Africa's values, beliefs and environment. After moving to Scotland, Mara found the opportunity to hear these stories diminished. This change led her to pursue a career in the arts and media, always with a focus on African narratives.
Mara's storytelling production, Blood and Gold, explores the legacy of colonialism and slavery through myth, legend, and fantasy. It delves into the complex histories and emotions tied to these themes, presenting them in a manner that engages and educates audiences. Her novel Blood and Gold: A Journey of Shadows continues this exploration in written form, earning her the Scottish Saltire Society Book of Fiction award in 2022.
Drawing on her dual Kenyan and Scottish cultural heritage, Mara shares stories about fear, joy, love, jealousy, passion, and mystery. She has shared her stories in over 27 countries, finding common ground in the truths about humanity that these stories reveal.
In addition to her storytelling and writing, Mara works on private commissions, crafting bespoke narratives for organizations worldwide. Her journey began with sharing stories with young children, and she continues to do so whenever possible. Inspired by her children, she has self-published two books, Koko the Crocodile and Starbird, inspired by a line in a Ben Okri novel.
Mara's stories have appeared on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 4, including The Poet and the Echo. She writes for MOSAIC and is currently working on her next novel. Her dedication to storytelling and her unique perspective have made her a respected figure in contemporary literature.
In addition to her literary work, Menzies founded the social enterprise Uwanja wa Ndoto (Field of Dreams). Located on a 180-acre baobab forest in Kilifi County on the Kenyan coast, this initiative celebrates the natural environment, community, and culture through a unique heritage trail.
Mara Menzies lives in Edinburgh.
Photo credit: www.marathestoryteller.com
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