June 2013
My Turn
My Turn
Odyssey Storytelling: Creating Community
One Story at a Time
by Penelope Starr
Once a month for the last nine years Tucsonans from all walks of life have been taking the stage at Odyssey Storytelling events to share their ten-minute true stories on a theme, told without notes, to an audience. Pediatrician, baker, computer whiz, and artist; everyone is welcome to tell their story.
One Story at a Time
by Penelope Starr
Once a month for the last nine years Tucsonans from all walks of life have been taking the stage at Odyssey Storytelling events to share their ten-minute true stories on a theme, told without notes, to an audience. Pediatrician, baker, computer whiz, and artist; everyone is welcome to tell their story.
Penelope Starr
I began Odyssey with the idea of bringing a creative entertainment to the people of Tucson but discovered along the way that it was much more than what I had imagined. Storytellers have confided to me that they were afraid of public speaking so they chose this medium as a friendly experiment to gain confidence in public speaking. Audience members told me that their perceptions of people from different cultures, of different ages and sexualities had been challenged, and that they felt honored to be witness to such heartfelt and truly honest storytelling. People’s values were being tested through a deceptively simple process of listening to each other. I believe that simple act can heal and change the world. I have been inspired to write a book about my experiences and hope to have it completed by the end of the year.
Storyteller Kevin Lee Lopez
Each month a different curator constructs the show by choosing storytellers, organizing the rehearsal, and emceeing the night of the show. Odyssey volunteer curators you might see on stage are Adam Hostetter, Sarah K. Smith, Shannon Snapp, Roscoe Mutz, Lori Riegel, Tony Paniagua and Molly McCloy.
Themes change each month and are chosen to be interpreted broadly in order to attract a variety of stories. The theme for June 6 is “Lost in Translation,” curated by Tony Paniagua. Upcoming are “Breaking Free: Stories of Disobedience” on July 12 (the second Friday) and “Saved by the Bell: School Stories” coming on August 1.
Community connections are what fuels Odyssey, and collaborations with other organizations is always a priority. For the past two years we have held storytelling in a gallery of the University of Arizona Museum of Art with a theme related to the show that was on display. We’ve worked with organizations as diverse as Southern Arizona Greyhound Rescue, Wingspan: Southern Arizona’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, and the Tucson Festival of Books.
Themes change each month and are chosen to be interpreted broadly in order to attract a variety of stories. The theme for June 6 is “Lost in Translation,” curated by Tony Paniagua. Upcoming are “Breaking Free: Stories of Disobedience” on July 12 (the second Friday) and “Saved by the Bell: School Stories” coming on August 1.
Community connections are what fuels Odyssey, and collaborations with other organizations is always a priority. For the past two years we have held storytelling in a gallery of the University of Arizona Museum of Art with a theme related to the show that was on display. We’ve worked with organizations as diverse as Southern Arizona Greyhound Rescue, Wingspan: Southern Arizona’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, and the Tucson Festival of Books.
Listening to stories
Odyssey is always looking for new storytellers. If one of the themes inspires you, contact Odyssey with a one paragraph synopsis of your story. If the story fits in, you could be a storyteller! If you are shy about telling a story, the Odyssey crew will give lots of support and helpful hints at rehearsal, an opportunity to run through the stories, get feedback, and meet the other storytellers.
Odyssey Storytelling’s shows are usually the first Thursday of the month at Fluxx Studio and Gallery, 416 E. 9th St, just off 4th Ave. Shows begin at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $7 at the door or you can get reserved seats online at the website. Visit www.odysseystorytelling.com to see the calendar of upcoming shows and join the email list at stories@odysseystorytelling.com. More information is at 520-730-4112.
Odyssey Storytelling’s shows are usually the first Thursday of the month at Fluxx Studio and Gallery, 416 E. 9th St, just off 4th Ave. Shows begin at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $7 at the door or you can get reserved seats online at the website. Visit www.odysseystorytelling.com to see the calendar of upcoming shows and join the email list at stories@odysseystorytelling.com. More information is at 520-730-4112.
