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In the News!
Check out the stories and links below to see photos, videos and stories about World of Difference Ltd.

Storyteller Makes A "World of Difference"

by Audrey Sumser

The Lakewood Observer (2.22.11)

Lindsay Bonilla knows how important clean water is to survival. Following the catastrophic earthquake that devastated Haiti in January 2010, she traveled to the country and was moved by the people’s plight. “I saw first-hand the living conditions of the people there and the lengths that they must go to get water,” and knew she had to do something about it.


Lindsay, the Artistic Director for World of Difference Ltd., designed a t-shirt to raise awareness about the global water crisis. According to the World Water Council, an estimated 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, and over 70% of Haitians are among those affected. While the mission of Lindsay’s organization is to introduce people of all ages to world cultures and promote cultural understanding through arts-based programming that is interactive and educational, she feels both World of Difference and her t-shirts “can make a greater difference in the world” through creative means.


On Saturday, February 26th, Lindsay will be at the Lakewood Public Library performing “Papa Dieux’s Well,” a Haitian folktale in which the title character builds a well for the thirsty animals and puts Lizard in charge. But will Lizard do the right thing and share the water with them? You can find out in this interactive folktale where audience participation makes you the star. While the event is free, t-shirts will be available for purchase the night of the performance, and all proceeds will be donated to water projects in Haiti and across the world.


Author and Storyteller Bonilla to Perform at Laura Christian Church May 22

By: Kathy McDermott Goodman

MiltonNews DAILY Correspondent
Printed in the Weekly Record Herald on Friday, May 13, 2011

Author and storyteller Lindsay Bonilla will be at Laura Christian Church at 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, May 22, 2011 to present an interactive performance based on her original children’s book, “Lily and the City of Light.”
The program, which has been called “delightful, inspiring and captivating for all ages,” tell the story of young Lily, an orphan, who dreams of leaving her dark village and going to the City of Light. Audience members will enjoy journeying with Lily and taking on the roles of the colorful characters she meets in her quest for the great city as she learns the meaning of love and sacrifice.

When people think of storytelling,” says Bonilla, “they think of someone sitting in a chair reading a story.” Instead, Bonilla uses a blend of theatre, creative drama and storytelling wrapped into one to create a very dynamic experience.
 
“Each show is different,” she says. “The personalities of the people in the audience make each show unique.” I pull people out of the audience, they put on costumes and walk through the story with the characters,” says Bonilla. Even people who are not “in” the show still participate by making sound effects. “It is very humorous,” she says.
 
The audience and Bonilla build an almost instant relationship while telling the story. The people on stage help to draw the remaining audience members into the story so they can experience it themselves.
 
Using this interactive format was a no-brainer for Bonilla. For the past three years she has run World Of Difference Ltd., a theatre company which teaches people about other countries and cultures. “It was a natural progression to tell one of my stories instead of someone else’s.”
 
As for the story itself, Bonilla says each person will take something different away from the performance. “Everyone can identify with the main character, a little girl with a dream who has to overcome obstacles,” she says. “Lily finally learns that ‘true love’ is being willing to love even those who don’t receive the love or love us back. She is finally able to learn to love the right way – giving love away without expecting something in return.”
 
This is Bonilla’s second appearacne at Laura Christian Church. She was there previously in December 2010 performing her Christmas story, “Twas the Year Christ Left Christmas.” Bonilla is also available to perform at schools, libraries and fesitvals.
 
Bonilla is the granddaughter of the late State Representative Robert E. Netzley and Marjorie Netzley of Laura. She has performed across Ohio, as well as internationally and will be on hand after the performance to sign copies of her children’s book and greet audience members.
 
The performance is free of charge, but a freewill offering will be taken to support Bonilla’s mission trip to Africa later this year.
 
Laura Christian Church is located at 1 S. Main (SR 721) in Laura. For more information contact Pastor Curt Duncan at 947-1224.                                                                           



A Charming Display

Storyteller Brings A Bit Of Haiti To Life For Area Pupils

August 10, 2010
By Rose Mary Carver editorial@post-journal.com
The Post-Journal (Cattaraugus County, NY)

KENNEDY - A bit of Haiti was brought to life at Temple School in Kennedy by storyteller Lindsay Bonilla recently. Ms. Bonilla wove lessons about Haiti and the importance of water into her interactive presentation of the traditional Haitian folktale, "Papa Dieux's Well". Young people from the Town of Poland Summer Recreation Program helped Ms. Bonilla involve the audience in the presentation, and had a lot of fun while learning.


Lindsay Bonilla is artistic director of World of Difference, Ltd. She has performed internationally with her programs to bring folktales from around the world to a wide variety of audiences. Trained in both performing arts and education, she provides such an enthusiastic and entertaining program that you forget you're learning something, too.


A native of Ohio, and graduate of Northwestern University, Ms. Bonilla stated that she has always loved to entertain and tell stories. This natural talent shows through as she works her magic on an audience.

In addition to her touring performances, she can be heard as the voice of Carlita, the Spanish-speaking chameleon, on the award-winning syndicated children's program, "Ask Gilby". Also a writer, her first children's book, "Lily and the City of Light" is being released this year. Her programs also help to raise funds to help with aid to needy countries.


Following her presentation of "Papa Dieux's Well", Ms. Bonilla told everyone that if they wanted to learn more about Haiti and other places, they could go to their public library and have the librarian help them. She then thanked Linda Bish, Head Librarian of the Kennedy Free Library, for inviting her to perform here and said she would love to come again.


More information about Ms. Bonilla and the various programs offered by World of Difference can be obtained from their website, www.worldofdiff.org.




Mansfield News Journal 7/28/09

The Lion's Gift

Daniel Melograna / News Journal

Lindsay Bonilla performed "The Lion's Gift: A Folktale from Africa" for children Tuesday night at the Madison branch of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library.

To view the full photo gallery, click here.


News
 
originally posted on: 7/28/2009 11:29:55 AM 
Children at the Butler Branch of the Mansfield-Richland County Public Library learned about Africa Monday. "The Lions Gifts: A Foltale From Africa" was presented by Artistic Director Lindsay Bonilla. This program is told by King Lion through music, dance,and dress. Bonilla says she lived in Spain for more than a year and used interactive theatre to teach English. She says she has always wanted to use theatre to teach children about other cultures. Bonilla also presents programs about India, Mexico, Russia and about Native American Culture. She presented this program at the Crestview Library Branch and the Ontario Library Branch on Monday as well.  ..