Kaysoon Khoo

This time around you don't just get to hear a story. You get involved. No, you don't become a character featured in the tale and acquire international fame. But you do become part and parcel of its unfoldment.

Perhaps I'd better explain. Imagine I'm a storyteller -- a professional, no less -- and you're the one listening to me in boggle-eyed wonder while I shoot off at the mouth. You've paid me for my services in advance and you're determined to get your money's worth. I'm doing the best I can but my job isn't easy because you're the kind of audience who refuses to shut that hole in his face and and leave the floor to the storyteller. However, being the epitome of patience, I persevere and you get to hear an oft-told tale delivered in a manner that leaves both storyteller and listener in a daze.

When the storytelling session comes to an end, you wonder if you're still sane -- while I swear by all the gods I'll never tell that story again -- not in the same way, anyway.