At Georgia Tech, we believe storytelling to be an insightful act of inclusion. Experience the power of community, connection, and belonging through story!
Please join co-producers, Cheryl Cofield and Pearl Alexander, for the third annual Transformative Narratives Storytelling Crawl from October 26-29, 2020. During this immersive six-event series, renowned, nationally touring storytellers Milbre Burch, Sonny Kelly, and Lani Peterson will offer virtual, one-person performances and tantalizing story-related workshops. In addition, a host of powerful international, national, local, and Georgia Tech storytellers will take center “stage” to help audiences enhance self-awareness, increase cultural competence, and connect through the sharing of diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives.
All events are virtual, free, and open to faculty, staff, students, and invited guests from around the globe.
Questions? Email sdie@gatech.edu.
Monday, October 26, 2020
Changing Skins: Tales about Gender, Identity and Humanity with Milbre Burch
Drawing upon contemporary stories, sociology, science, folklore, and folkways, this one-woman performance explores a myriad of stories about the fluidity of gender, reminding us that cultural traditions often shape gender identity and performance, and that humans have long been interested in the continuum between “he” and “she.” Talk-Back and provocative dialogue following performance.
Note: There are two different sessions being held at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., not repeat performances. Feel free to register for one or both sessions!
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Storytelling Extravaganza: Salon I: Our Stories: A Mirror Toward Ourselves
More than 15 nationally touring, local, and campus storytellers enter the virtual stage to share their compelling journeys of overcoming isolation, triumphing over personal challenges, learning to appreciate the complexity of their own identities, and more. Experience musical and poetic interludes throughout. Sign up for one or both salons, each with different stories and storytellers.
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Storytelling Extravaganza: Salon II: Our Stories: A Mirror Toward Ourselves
More than 15 nationally touring, local, and campus storytellers enter the virtual stage to share their compelling journeys of overcoming isolation, triumphing over personal challenges, learning to appreciate the complexity of their own identities, and more. Experience musical and poetic interludes throughout. Sign up for one or both salons, each with different stories and storytellers.
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Bringing Science Alive Through The Story It Tells Workshop with Lani Peterson
Since scientists often must inspire others to invest time, money or commitment, and their presentations and pitches must have maximum impact. Psychologist and storyteller Lani Peterson helps scientists understand that the data is not the message, and how they might transform data into “stories” that engage audiences at all levels for maximum influence and inspiration.
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Stories About Mental Health & Wellness
9 - 11 a.m.
Gather with a community of empathetic listeners to hear stories about mental health, including a variety from the Institute's Transformative Narratives’ “Mental Health Stories” collection (3-to-7-minute stories anonymously submitted by faculty, staff and students who consented to having their stories shared at Tech). These are personal narratives of emotional struggle, hope and healing. They are deeply personal, often poignant, and may provoke varying emotions in the listener. Please make an informed decision about engaging in this session.
Thursday, October 29, 2020
“The Talk” One-Man Performance, Talk-Back & Story Swap with Sonny Kelly
3 - 5 p.m.
A one-man story performance that draws on the voices of ancestors, elders, youths, and intellectuals to engage in difficult conversations we must have with our children as we prepare them to survive and thrive in a racialized America. Combines un(der)told history, personal narratives, interactive theater, and exquisite character acting to expand notions of equity, justice, and inclusion through embodied memory.