How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!" New York's best storytellers air their dirty laundry, share some f*cked up family secrets, and don't ask for their parents permission. Come for a night that would make King Lear feel lucky.
The #metoo movement is powerful and palpable. But how are the women over 50 who came of age during the Women’s Liberation movement handling this paradigm shift? Four women face their pasts and reckon with the future of sexual harassment via deeply personal stories. Storytellers include Renee Joshua-Porter, Tracy Rowland, and Julie Threlkeld. Hosted & curated by Tracey Segarra.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in assocation with The Tank.
My scholarship award was my first association with the dean of my undergraduate college at a state university in Ohio. It did not come without strings attached. It is 30 years later, and I speak for the first time ... about the encounters, about the lies, about the murder, and about coming out in Ohio in the late 80s.
Written & performed by Thomas Conroy.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in assocation with The Tank.
The boundaries that bind us and separate us have come into question. In this storytelling discussion, we will tell stories of what it feels like to be inside and outside these boundaries - whether literal, as in the bars of the jail cell, or figurative, as in the alienation of immigration. The storytelling discussion/panel includes Juan Franco, Tazmin Uddin, Rose DF, and Michael Majok Kuch.
Curated & hosted by Nisse Greenberg.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up, in assocation with The Tank.
There's still a whole lot wrong in the world today and these women have something to say about it. And you can't stop them, because their time is NOW! With issues ranging from white privilege to wage theft to racism to gentrification to sexual harassment by the police, these women share their personal and ultimately inspiring - stories. Storytellers include Robin Bady, Michele Carlo, Nicole Ferarro, Dawn Frasier, and Angel Yau.
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. SRLP is a collective organization founded on the understanding that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social and economic justice. Therefore, we seek to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for our communities. We believe that in order to create meaningful political participation and leadership, we must have access to basic means of survival and safety from violence.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in assocation with The Tank.
Kweendom is a long-running comedy and storytelling showcase featuring some of New York City's most beloved LGBTQ writers and performers. With a fervent commitment to diversity, KWEENDOM has provided space for underrepresented performers to share their stories for nearly three years. Hosted & curated by Bobby Hankinson.
This special all-storytelling installment will dive deeper into the queer experience with authentic tales from Lynaé DePriest (Thank You For Coming Out), Craig Mangum (Moth GrandSLAM Winner) and Richard Cardillo (6 time Moth StorySlam winner).
Come for the laughs, stay for the fresh faces in your Grindr grid.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in assocation with The Tank.
* 25 percent of ticket sales will be donated to Immigration Equality.
You Roar, I Roar is a storytelling show featuring women of color, and queer performers from NYC. The show is inspired by the #METOOmovement and #timesup movement. Women and survivors are finally having their voices heard. We are roaring like never before! Storytellers include Zubi Ahmed, Michele Carlo, Andrea Coleman, Veronica Garza, and Sammie James.
25% of the ticket sales will be donated to RAICES.
Hosted & curated by Becca Beberaggi
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up, in association with The Tank.
After a decade of working in NYC nightlife, Sydnee decided to hang up her cocktail dress forever. Reminiscent of "MTV Diaries" meets "20/20", this hilariously authentic solo show exposes the ups & downs of the fast life as a bottle waitress.
Written & performed by Sydnee Washington.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
Singleling, hosted and curated by Vanessa Valerio is a podcast and live series show that showcases love and dating stories from regular people around the world and the best comedians and storytellers in the country.
Featuring stories by Dawn Jewél Fraser, Deepa Ambekar, Tami Gatta, Pavel Rivera, Chris Torres, Richard Cardillo, Christian Polanco, and Vana Koutsomitis.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
Women of Color for Progress (WCP) is a multi-strategy political organization founded by women of color for women of color. WCP empowers women of color to excel, lead, represent, and be heard. Ultimately, WCP hopes to not only elect women of color into public office but also create a pipeline of women of color political leaders.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
Trampolines, Mormons, and Braids: Lessons from Growing is a true story about a childhood adventure gone wrong, family dynamics, growing up black in Utah in the 90s, and what it means to be an outsider - all brought to life with audio clips, photos, and plenty of hijinks.
@ is a storyteller, performer, and founder of TheNewQuo.com, a platform + consultancy with 1M social media impressions to date that teaches storytelling for change. Her stories showcase the subtle ways we other one another through our beliefs, and are inspired by her experience growing up as an extreme minority in Utah. As a Utah native & NYC resident for the past 9 years, she knows far more uses for jello than she'd like to admit.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
Written & performed by Emily Ray Reese. The only child in a town of six residents, Reese, was raised by her bear hunter father, Zeus, and her artist mother, Mary Jo. Reese takes us on a memorable trip through pivotal moments in her life. Her story is sure to be unlike any you’ve heard before.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
Colleen began her journey in storytelling a few years ago after the deaths of her parents, two larger-than-life figures who raised her and five older siblings in and around their Irish pub. It was a childhood spent listening to the wild stories of the characters there. Colleen's parents being the most important of them all. Written and performed by Colleen Hindsley.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, produced and curated by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up, in association with The Tank.
Great stories have words, ideas, and an emotional energy which create a kind of music. In this show some of New York's finest storytellers perform, followed by an original song co-written by writer/performer and singer/songwriter Jude Treder-Wolff and composer Wells Hanleywhich was inspired by their story. Storytellers include Robin Bady, Richard Cardillo, Michele Carlo, and Vernon Payne. Hosted & curated by Jude Treder-Wolff.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, produced and curated by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up, in association with The Tank.
Albie Davis is a singer with a heart of soul. But the world doesn't seem to be ready for Albie's blend of outspoken word, creative freedom, and righteous take on pop culture, hip-hop and hair weaves.
Written & performed by Melanee Murray-Hunt
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek of Speak Up, Rise Up, in association with The Tank.
Stage The Change is an organization dedicated to enabling high school students to use their voices to make a difference in the world. Through creativity and mentoring these students began to create a body of work that expresses their ideas and approaches issues of race, social justice, gender and sexual equality, bullying and a variety of other social and emotional issues that influence their lives.
Presented as part of Speak Up, Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up, in association with The Tank.
Turns out, college isnt like the movies. This show illustrates the comedic highs and lows of what it's like to attend 4 different colleges. From a small, overpriced private school to a party school to NYU, one thing's for sure: Sallie Mae is a bitch. This is one woman's journey finding a place to belong.
Written & performed by Anita Flores.
Presented as part of Speak Up, Rise Up 2018 curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up, in association with The Tank.
Josh Johnson presents his brand new storytelling show - I'm Chocking (and other excuse to leave a party) - part of Speak Up, Rise Up Festival 2018
Whether it was the wedding of someone we don't like, or the housewarming of someone we don't know, we've all been at that point at a party where we ask ourselves what am I doing here?
Josh answers those questions for himself, and maybe for you too. From hilarious surprises to accidental deaths he'll cover all the reasons you'd want to leave a party, and the reasons you might want to stay.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW.
$17 in advance or $20 at the door. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3531178
Written & performed by Josh Johnson, curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up, in association with The Tank.
Four suburban Jersey women share heartfelt, personal stories of what it has meant to be "woke" since November 2016. How are we likely/unlikely political organizers and leaders, at this moment in our American history? We will share stories of success, pitfalls, and of personal becoming.
Lisa Ferraro is an AEA actress, certified yoga instructor, singer and harmonium player who loves to share the power of sound and yoga for healing. Lisa also serves as the President of Indivisible Rahway and is a loving wife and mother living in NJ with her heart in NYC.
Rachel Goldstein is the founder of Indivisible Central NJ. She is an IT Director in NY and a weekend musician (voice, violin, ukulele, and bass, for now).
Angel Ling has a career in international development and humanitarian assistance work, and has traveled and worked in more than a dozen countries around the world. While home, Angel focuses efforts in community development, and city campaigns and organizing. Angel is also the host of Not Waiting podcast and blog, where she connects people and communities from home and afar, with stories on personal and social change.
Rachel Barry is the co-author of The Happy Book and This Book is About You. She's the co-chair of Action Together Morris County, a progressive grassroots group with chapters across New Jersey and a volunteer for multiple campaigns and organizations across Morris County. For nearly 20 years, she's worked in the book publishing industry as a marketing, publicity and branding expert. Rachel now lives in Madison, NJ with her husband and four cats (of course she has cats).
Hosted & curated by Angel Ling.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018 curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
Join us at the GenEquality - Community Showcase to hear and share meaningful actions that people take in their daily lives in order to move the needle a little closer to gender equality. Featuring a diverse line-up of storytellers - most of whom don’t engage in storytelling for a living - this event is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired.
By sharing these anecdotes and stories, our storytellers provide inspiration for the rest of us as we collectively seek to create positive change. Whether you’re a public servant, a financial analyst, a programmer, an activist, an artist, a manager, or something in between – we believe that you have an inspiring story within you. If you're interested in sharing your story as well, contact us!
About genEquality:
genEquality is a nonprofit organization on a mission to activate gender equality, with and for everyone. We use art, design, fashion, and technology to positively influence culture change - in peer groups, in workplaces, and in our wider society.
GenEquality - Community Showcase is presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
A young woman applies for a job at an adult video store because she figures the dress code will be lax. Such naivete. Shalewa Sharpe presents a show about growing and showing, inspired by her six-year stint at a porn store.
Written & performed by Shalewa Sharpe.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
Lindsay Hoffman's aggressive leap into real responsibility. She builds the Teen Center with the help of her friends in her hometown of Clawson, Michigan. A place where teens can be themselves, create art, find themselves, and have a team of dedicated people there to help them through the process of growing up. Join her through bouts with the city council, superiors, parents and schools. She and the community fight to keep one of the greatest achievements of her life alive and untouched.
Courtney Antonioli asks, why can you MagicBand turkey legs, but not tampons in the womens restrooms in Disney World? When will society embrace periods as valid experience that needs to be recognized? What happens when women stop accepting the menstruation as their burden and start to hold men and companies accountable? This happens.
Written & performed by Courtney Antonioli & Lindsay Hoffman.
Part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novekof Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
The Center for Popular Democracy works to create equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with high-impact base-building organizations, organizing alliances, and progressive unions. CPD strengthens our collective capacity to envision and win an innovative pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial and economic justice agenda.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
When Andrew Collin was 24, he made over $250,000 in one deal. He was working in Florida real estate during the wild days of the early 2000s. But when the recession hit, Andrew found himself scrambling to find the next big score. You'll laugh and shake your head along with this tale of fancy cars, bottle service and paper bags full of cash. Written & performed by Andrew Collin.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
They say you shouldn't run away from your problems but sometimes your problems are due to horrible people or a terrible place. All storytellers will tell a tale about running away from what they knew wasn't good for them. They all escaped to have a brighter, more beautiful life. Storytellers include Alexander Kacala, Lauren Maul, Gabe Morales, and Tate Ngwaru. Curated & hosted by Tarik Daniels
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
How can you live your own destiny if you're "Woody's Order!", and have been told since birth that your destiny is to be thy brother's keeper? A screening of the documentary with excerpts of the play introduces Ann, Woody, Mom, Dad, Elizabeth Taylor, and special souls who helped Ann come to grips with what real destiny means. Written & performed by Ann Talman.
Presented as part of Speak Up Rise Up 2018, curated and produced by Asher Novek and Speak Up, Rise Up in association with The Tank.
No One Left Behind helps Americas Wartime Allies with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) resettle safely in the United States.
A boy whose faith in God is absolute finds himself suddenly lost after his faith in a higher power is tragically stripped away. As he becomes a man, he struggles for the return of his faith as the universe attempts to kill him (literally) at seemingly every turn.
