Storytelling forges connections among people, and also between people and ideas by creating empathy and understanding. Everyone has a story and when this story is shared it has the power to transform people, relationships, communities, and the world.
The Orpheum Theater Group is bringing back Storyfest — a free two-day event featuring the stories of 40 Memphians of ages 9-93, in their own words. Storyfest is part of the Orpheum Theater Group’s ACTS of Engagement (Access. Create. Transform). The return of the Storyfest will also include engagement activities, community reflections, and live performances.
“When we listen that deeply to the real experiences of our community, we are taking a stand – we are demonstrating that the voices of our community are essential to who we are,” said Taylor St. John, Director of Education and Engagement, in a press release. “Storyfest asks everyone (storytellers, teaching artists, and audiences alike) to listen with curiosity and share in what makes us human; both what makes us the same and what makes us beautifully different.”
This year’s Storyfest has partnered with the Center for Transforming Communities, Orange Mound Arts Council, Bickford Community Center (through Creative Aging), Refugee Empowerment Program, and Middle College High School.
“I thank the Lord for this group. It’s given me a chance to express myself: what I’m feeling, what I’ve been through. By telling our stories, it gives us a chance to get closer to other people,” said Barbara, an adult participant from the Bickford Senior Center (through Creative Aging), in a press release. “It makes me feel like I have a voice. It makes me feel like I can hear myself and everyone else can see me using my voice,” added Abyan, a 4th grade participant from the Refugee Empowerment Program.
Storyfest will be held at the Halloran Center on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 30, at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sign language for each performance will be interpreted by BridgesWEST.
To access a free ticket and for more information, visit orpheum-memphis.com/storyfest.