by Jessica Indriani
There’s something powerful about walking into a room full of strangers and realizing, by the end of the night, that you’re not strangers at all. That was the energy at this recent Ex Fabula StorySlam: a space that wasn’t promised to be “safe,” but instead something more honest: real. As the opening poem by Rudy and Shawn reminded us, a “real space” invites people to show up as they are. It’s not always polished or predictable, but it’s personal: and that’s where connection begins.
From the start, the atmosphere carried a mix of nerves and excitement. You could feel it in the quiet chatter before the event began, in the way people leaned forward in their seats, and in the supportive applause that followed every storyteller who stepped up to the mic. The crowd was warm, engaged, and ready to listen. There was laughter, there were moments of reflection, and above all, there was a sense that everyone in the room was contributing to something meaningful.
A huge shout-out goes to the venue and the sponsors who helped make this gathering possible: Greenfield Public Library, Heart of Canal Street, the Dorothy Inbusch Foundation, and Ex Fabula members. Spaces like this don’t just happen—they’re created through intention, support, and a shared belief in the power of storytelling.
Each storyteller brought something unique to the stage, offering glimpses into moments that shaped them. Janet shared a story that began with something as simple as foot aches, but unfolded into a quiet, unspoken love. Her story captured the bittersweet reality of timing, how sometimes feelings remain unshared, and life moves forward anyway. There was a softness in her reflection that lingered with the audience.
Jessica told a deeply personal story about reuniting with her family after 12 years apart. She described the long, anxious flights and the emotional weight of returning to familiar places that had lived only in memory for over a decade. Her story carried both nostalgia and warmth, reminding us how powerful it is to reconnect with where, and who, we come from.
Brianna brought humor and relatability to the stage with a story about falling down the stairs and fully embracing her inner “drama queen.” Her storytelling balanced exaggeration with honesty, turning a moment of clumsiness into something the entire audience could laugh with and recognize in themselves.
Bree followed with a heartfelt reflection on the friendships that grow throughout life and the strength those connections can hold over time. She spoke with gratitude about the friends who remain caring, supportive, and unforgettable as relationships deepen and evolve. Her story reminded the audience that friendship is often one of the most meaningful parts of life, not only because of the memories created, but because of the comfort and understanding that genuine friends bring as people grow together.
Rudy returned to the stage with a story from his childhood, recalling an outdoor game with a friend that took a turn when an injury left blood on someone else’s shirt. The story captured that mix of fear and innocence that often comes with being young, when accidents feel much bigger than they are, and reactions can be just as memorable as the moment itself.
Wren shared a story set during the COVID years, reflecting on a moment when she got hurt after playing on a swing her parents had warned her about. It was a simple story on the surface, but it touched on themes of curiosity, independence, and the small risks that shape how we grow.
Shawn closed with a story about family, specifically, the unexpected turns that come with it. He spoke about missing an appointment related to the birth of his child, only for life to surprise him with another son. His story highlighted how family can evolve in ways we don’t plan, and how those moments often bring people closer together.
Throughout the night, the emcees helped guide the energy of the room, keeping the audience engaged and the storytellers supported. Their presence added a sense of continuity and care, making it easier for each person who stepped up to feel seen and heard.
Personally, what stood out most was how quickly the room transformed. At the beginning, there was a sense of uncertainty—people figuring out where they fit, what to expect. But by the end, it felt like a shared experience. Stories have a way of doing that. They break down barriers without forcing anything. They remind us that even if our lives look different on the surface, the emotions underneath is often the same.
This StorySlam was also a reminder that you don’t have to be a “perfect” storyteller to share something meaningful. Every person who took the stage brought honesty, and that’s what mattered most. It felt empowering—not just to listen, but to imagine what it might be like to tell your own story in a space like this.
If you’ve ever considered attending an Ex Fabula event or even putting your name in the hat to share a story, this is your sign to do it. Whether you come to listen or to speak, you’ll leave with something; maybe a new perspective, maybe a sense of connection, or maybe even the courage to tell your own story next time.
Be sure to check out Ex Fabula’’s next event and stay connected with Ex Fabula to keep the stories going. These gatherings are more than just events; they’re opportunities to build community, one story at a time.
And if this night proved anything, it’s that real spaces; spaces where people show up as they are; are where the most meaningful stories live.
Upcoming Youth Affinity Storytelling events:
Pride Week Teen StorySlam
In partnership with the MPS Gender & Identity Inclusion Department
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 5PM doors, 5:30PM stories
Location: First Stage, 325 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Tickets: https://www.exfabula.org/product/teen-storyslam-6-3/
Teen StoryStretch Workshop
Discover and explore the power of storytelling!
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 1PM start, 3PM end
Location: Mitchell Street Library, 906 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Tickets: https://www.exfabula.org/product/teen-storystretch-6-18/
Teen StorySlam
Celebrating the voices of our community’s young people
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 3:30PM doors, 4PM stories
Location: Mitchell Street Library, 906 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Tickets: https://www.exfabula.org/product/teen-storyslam-6-23/
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