REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES, the storytelling series that is a centerpiece of Ancram Center’s seasonal programming, returns to the theater’s mainstage June 26 and 27 with new narratives delivered by local residents, about taking risks, defining “family,” building community, and learning the true value of money. The storytellers have participated in Ancram Center’s storytelling workshops, developing and shaping their stories for the stage with guidance from program director Paul Ricciardi and lead teaching artist Sarah Katan.
“As Ancram Center enters its second decade, our storytelling workshops have reinforced our belief that everyone has a story to tell,” said Ricciardi. “The people we’ve worked with have shared personal stories that have been hilarious or heartbreaking or surprising or moving or deeply personal in equal measure. The simple act of telling stories brings people together and demonstrates what it means to be truly human. We look forward to this event every year.”
This edition of REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES brings together four area residents:
Jolie Kobrinsky of Hudson dreamed of opening a health and wellness center that would bring her community together after the isolation of COVID-19. What could possibly go wrong?
Steven Favreau of Ghent was raised to keep the peace and avoid conflict at all costs. But when he finally started asking for what he wanted, his life began to change in unexpected ways.
Joan Coombs of Stockbridge was raised in a loving family with two sisters. But when it came time to consider having children herself, Joan was conflicted. In her story, Joan shares the journey of how she came to have the family she wanted.
Bonnie Long of Taghkanic grew up in Brooklyn in the 1950s, where money was tight. She developed a keen appreciation for its value, and also a near superpower for finding it in the most surprising places.
Performances both evenings are at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at ancramcenter.org. Ancram Center for the Arts is located at 1330 County Route 7, Ancram NY, 12502.
Ancram Center for the Arts is an award-winning theater located in New York’s Hudson Valley. Housed in an historic Grange Hall, Ancram Center is dedicated to presenting risk-taking productions and new work by nationally recognized theater artists in an intimate performance space. For tickets and more information visit www.ancramcenter.org.
