Storytellers get Vulnerable at Ex Fabula Story Slam

Tony Anderson, a teacher and Ex Fabula storyteller, stepped onto the stage at Mitchell Street Arts. Embracing the night’s theme of adulting, he reflected on the complexities of adulthood and pivotal moments that define our paths.

“As adults, we all make decisions that are going to affect our lives, but decisions we make in our 20s are not necessarily the decisions we would make in our 40s,” said Anderson, “so I’m going to tell you about the biggest breakup of my life.”

On April 16, Mitchell Street Arts hosted an Ex Fabula StorySlam event with the theme of adulting, drawing in community members eager to share and listen to personal narratives. The event, emceed by volunteer John Lopez, featured diverse tales ranging from humorous anecdotes to emotional reflections.

“When I thought about the idea of adulting and the big decisions that we make, I thought about how important it was for me to make the choices that I did,” said Anderson “So you know I loved my time in journalism but when I started working with the students, that’s really where my heart was.”

Among the storytellers, Dennis Oulahan stood out with his humorous reflection on the blurred lines between childhood misdeeds and adult responsibilities.

“One of my big sins was swearing, but I didn’t know what commandment it came under, so I was thinking, adults swear all the time,” said Oulahan when describing going to confessions as a kid. “I decided swearing would be under adultery. I finally got into the confessional and started with, ‘Bless me Father for I have sinned, it’s been two weeks since my last confession.’ Then I started with the sins we (kids) had traded along the way: ‘I disobeyed my parents 4 times, I ate a hamburger on a Friday’, and then I dropped the big one: ‘I committed adultery 27 times.’”

The room filled with laughter. After all the stories were shared, attendees were asked to cast a vote for their favorite. Oulahan emerged victorious, claiming the title for the best story of the night.

“After hearing Dennis Oulahan’s story about going to confession as a child, I will probably always laugh when hearing the word adultery,” said Megan McGee.

McGee is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Ex Fabula. Her passion for creating spaces where individuals can share their truths and connect on a deeper level was evident throughout the event.

“Ultimately, we want everyone in Southeast Wisconsin to feel heard and to be treated with dignity and respect,” said McGee. “Yeah, it’s a lofty goal, but we know there are many others with a similar vision – and that’s why we have so many partnerships. Storytelling is a powerful tool, and we love helping others discover how to leverage it so that they can speak their truth and be part of the cultural change as well.”

The mingling of individuals from diverse backgrounds, all brought together by the shared interest in storytelling, created an atmosphere of inclusivity and understanding.

“Some people think that they can engage folks just by asking lots of questions to understand their needs, but if people don’t feel safe, they may not take a risk and tell you how they really feel,” said McGee.

Among those in attendance was Marelyn Rodriguez, a first-timer at the event.

“Everyone was very welcoming,” said Rodriguez. “I enjoyed the fact that they involved the audience by having us write our own short stories in the ultrashorts. I enjoyed listening to all the stories and it helped me realize that everyone goes through difficult times but it’s just being an adult.”

Throughout the event, the emcee pulled and shared ultrashorts written by audience members on stage.

“Adulting is going to another country to experience I have traveled overseas to see my girlfriend who was studying abroad, and when I got there she had a different boyfriend,” said an anonymous audience member through the ultra shorts.

These snippets provided glimpses into the audience’s varied experiences and perspectives, enriching the different narratives shared throughout the evening.

“There are also dozens of stories that have impacted me in small but real ways,” said McGee. “I’ll always feel connected to folks who tell onstage, like I know a little piece of them and that’s a gift.”

As the event drew to a close, attendees departed with a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster empathy.