Tony Hopkins is a storyteller, actor and poet of African and Cherokee descent. He was born and raised  in Washington DC and then  lived in different parts of America before moving to Europe. In 1989 he came to New Zealand and made Wellington his home. Tony specialises in the telling of African and Native American legends, and personal stories from his own life experiences. As a storyteller, he has performed throughout New Zealand and overseas as one of the Soul Food Tellers. As an actor he has worked in New Zealand and Europe  appearing  on stage, screen and television. Tony also works casually at Te Papa as a host which gives him plenty of opportunity to use his storytelling skills. Together with his partner he set up Baggage Books as a literary extension of their Baggage Theatre Co-op which has produced a number of award-winning shows.