This intimate, immersive storytelling experience brings to life the remarkable story of Jo van Gogh-Bonger, the woman whose dedication ensured Vincent van Gogh’s work was seen, valued, and remembered. Using a hand-painted kavad storytelling box (a traditional Indian narrative device originating from Rajasthan) the performance unfolds like a moving book, inviting audiences to step into Jo’s world. As each panel opens, Jo’s story reveals moments of resolve, loss, and belief. Nami Ralph presents this project for the first time at the Farnham Literary Festival.

Suitable for young people aged 12+ and adults.

Nami Ralph is an illustrator and creative practitioner based in Farnham, Surrey, working across heritage and visual storytelling. She has worked with several heritage sites across the UK, cocreating illustrated experiences that deepen visitor engagement with place and story. Nami’s most recent artistic work has been supported by the Arts Council England through the DYCP fund, where she was able to develop her storytelling project about Jo van Gogh-Bonger. This project builds on her illustration practice and expands it into performance. Nami is interested in creating tactile, analogue storytelling moments that highlight people and stories that are fairly unheard of.