The Orpheum Theatre Group is pitching the return of Storyfest – a free two-day event featuring the stories of 40 Memphians from across the city ranging in ages from 9 to 93.
Storyfest features live performances, engagement activities and community reflections at the Halloran Centre on April 29-30.
“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,” said Taylor St. John, director of Education and Engagement.
“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.”
An intergenerational group of participants have collaborated with the Orpheum Theatre Group to create original theatrical performances sharing their stories in their own words. This year’s Storyfest was created in partnership with Refugee Empowerment Program, Center for Transforming Communities, Orange Mound Arts Council, Bickford Community Center (through Creative Aging), and Middle College High School.
Storyfest is part of the Orpheum Theatre Group’s ACTS of Engagement (Access. Create. Transform) – free community programming.
“I thank the Lord for this group,” said Barbara, an adult participant from the Bickford Senior Center (through Creative Aging). “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.”
Abyan, a fourth grade participant with the Refugee Empowerment Program, said, “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.”
Storyfest schedule:
- April 29, 7 p.m.:
The Gospel According to Bickford – Created in partnership with Creative Aging and the Bickford Community Center. What does it mean to put your trust and faith in God? Meet Elaine, Mary, Daisy, Flora, Lottie, Barbara, and Jean – senior citizens from the Bickford Community Center.
Crash. Crumble. Conquer. – Created in partnership with Middle College High School. What happens when your life seems to hit a wall or obstacle so big that you completely crash? Do you give yourself space to crumble or do you rise to conquer the challenge? Meet Matthew, Jermani, Showen, Kelby, Mya, Phalon, Kellie, Contariyon, and Jordan – students from Middle College High.
- April 30, 2:30 p.m.:
My Family Is My Heart – Created in partnership with the Refugee Empowerment Program. What makes a family a family? Is it blood relation? Is it culture? Is it love? Meet Radia, Aline, Abyan, Dowlai, Lorraine, Ibrahim, D’Jadda, Carine, Nyawech, Dina, Mariam, Leah, Flora, and Wailes – an intergenerational group of refugees.
- April 30, 7 p.m.:
Figuring Life Out – Created in partnership with Middle College High School.
What does it mean to come of age? Meet Edrionna, KJ, Kaleb, Felix, Lily, Jonathan, Nigel, Olivia, Judeah, and Jasmine, students from Middle College High School.
My Hood/My Home/My Sacred Haven – Created in partnership with the Orange Mound Arts Council and the Center for Transforming Communities. What was it like to grow up in historic Black neighborhoods before integration? Meet Barbara, Hazell, Mary, Gail, Desi, Darlene, and L.H. – elders from Orange Mound and South Memphis.
