Ex Fabula stands out. In my research on the information practices of open mic and slam storytelling shows across the United States, most producers are trying to create brave spaces. They need attendees to feel safe enough to take the risk of telling and hearing possibly uncomfortable stories. Only Ex Fabula uses the term “brave space” and invites some reflection on what this term means.

I am humbled to collaborate with members of the Ex Fabula team and other members of the UW Milwaukee community on a Collaboratory project, funded by the Center for 21st Century Studies (C21) at UWM. In this project, we plan to dive into apology and repair in brave spaces. 

In brave spaces, we try to do as little harm as possible. And we understand that even with the best intentions, we are likely to hurt each other from time to time. When harm occurs, how can we effectively address it and create the conditions for learning and repair? How can we help build a community in which repair is valued?

We will be exploring apology and repair over the course of Ex Fabula’s 18th season. Our Collaboratory team is meeting monthly to discuss readings, ranging from academic articles, to popular nonfiction, to a children’s picture book. The team will also be planning several different kinds of events where other community members can join us on this learning journey. 

Your first opportunity to participate will be at Ex Fabula’s December 2026 StorySlam, which will have the theme Apologies. We look forward to hearing the stories the community chooses to share on stage. We will also be planning some sort of pre-Slam activity related to creating Brave Spaces; we’ll share more details in the coming months.

In early 2027, we will host two virtual brave apology conversations, opening the discussion to a larger group, possibly extending beyond Milwaukee. Folks from across Wisconsin and out of state attended the brave space discussion Ex Fabula hosted in January of 2026 and many attendees expressed that they wanted more. 

Finally, we will put together a curated slam, consisting of apology stories, to present at C21’s Day of Action in late spring 2027.

Thank you for being brave with us. Thank you for going on this journey with us as we explore practices that keep a space brave. 

Do you have questions about this project? Feel free to reach out to me, Sarah Beth Nelson, or message the Ex Fabula team.