Healing through storytelling — and playwriting: two-day event planned Aug. 21 and 22 in Talent
By Sydney Seymour, Ashland.news
As the fifth anniversary of the Almeda and South Obenchain fires approaches, a two-day community story-sharing event for those affected by the 2020 fires is planned from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, and Friday, Aug. 22, at the Talent Community Center.
The Rogue Action Center (RAC), in collaboration with Jackson County Community Long-Term Recovery Group, Talent Historical Society and the Ashland New Plays Festival (ANPF), are collaboratively hosting the event, which focuses on healing and connection. It’s intended to provide “a safe space for community members to share their experiences and process the impacts of the fires,” RAC Executive Director Jordan Bruyn-Fry said.
Some shared stories may eventually be incorporated into a theatrical production.
ANPF representatives will attend, listening with the goal of creating a theatrical production that raises awareness and shares lessons learned about the “human side of disaster and recovery,” according to the event registration form.
The deets
Community story sharing, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, and Friday, Aug. 22, Talent Community Center, 104 E. Main St., Talent
The form requires attendees to check a box declaring they understand playwrights may use their story and parts of the event may be recorded.
“Your story might be changed a little to fit the play,” the form continues, “Your name will not be used unless you give us permission to do so. We will always respect your privacy and tell these stories with care.”
Attendees can expect a “structured and empathetic setting with clear guidelines for respectful listening and participation,” Bruyn-Fry said.
Mark Yaconelli, founder and executive director of The Hearth, a nonprofit focused on community connection, healing and the “transformational power of stories,” will lead the storytelling process.
Dinner will be provided on both nights, and participants who lost their homes in the fires and attend both nights will receive a $30 gift card. Stories are welcome in both English and Spanish. Interpretation will be available.
“Using a trauma-informed approach that helps build trust,” the form says, “the event will create space to reflect and, if you choose, share your story in a supportive setting.”
Register by clicking here by the end of Thursday, Aug. 14, to volunteer or participate.
Those unable to participate in the two-day event who still want to share their story can submit their story via email to [email protected].
Email Ashland.news Snowden intern Sydney Seymour at [email protected].
Sept. 2: Updated text to clarify that Rogue Action Center was one of several collaborative hosts, not the sole host.
