Storyfest 2022

225 South Main Street,Memphis TN 38103

29 April, 2022

Description

When we hear each other’s stories, we grow as a community. Join us for a two-day festival showcasing Memphis stories. About the EventEveryone has a story. Join us for a two-day festival showcasing the voices of Memphians. An intergenerational group of participants from across the city have collaborated with the Orpheum Theatre Group to create original theatrical performances sharing their stories in their own words. Storyfest features FREE live performances, engagement activities, and community reflections at the Halloran Centre at the Orpheum. All performances will be interpreted in sign language by BridgesWEST. Night One (April 29 @ 7pm)The Gospel According to BickfordWhat 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 as they share their stories of loss, love, and what it means to live each day with gratitude. Created in partnership with Creative Aging and the Bickford Community Center. Crash. Crumble. Conquer.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 School as they share true stories of life crashing down on them and how they overcame its challenges to conquer the world and succeed! Created in partnership with Middle College High School. Community ReflectionDay Two (April 30 @ 2:30pm)My Family Is My HeartWhat makes a family a family? Is it blood relation? Is it culture? Is it love? Meet Abyan, Dowlai, Lorraine, Ibrahim, D’Jadda, Carine, Nyawech, Dina, Mariam, Leah, Flora, and Wailies—an intergenerational group of refugees who tell stories of how sacrifice, separation, and joy have kept them connected to their families of origin while creating newfound families here in Memphis. Created in partnership with the Refugee Empowerment Program. Community ReflectionNight Two (April 30 @ 7pm)Figuring Life Out 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 as they share true stories of how they’ve navigated growing up, figuring out who they want to be, and finding peace. Created in partnership with Middle College High School. My Home/My Hood/My Sacred HavenWhat 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 who share stories of the sacred Black neighborhoods that brought them up and what happened when those neighborhoods were systematically torn apart. Created in partnership with the Orange Mound Arts Council and the Center for Transforming Communities. Community Reflection