When walked into the Slam, I was immediately greeted by words about art and how it alters one’s life โ€“ words incredibly familiar to me. As I quietly sat down in my seat, I continued to listen to a story of how a relationship with the arts can contribute so deeply to someoneโ€™s life. I heard tales of disease and overcoming the grief that comes with it, of honor and care and research,ย of family, friends and strangers. The Tellers told wholesome stories about childhood memories, looking back on them and how life changes as time inevitably passes โ€“ but there were also stories aboutย death and the toll it can take on someone in unexpected ways.ย How music can affect and heal a person.ย How nerves can lead to something you never wouldโ€™ve guessed could happen to you. How a symbol of strength and resilience can manifest itself in a person. How an object so simple can mean, so, so much more.ย 

All of this is to say that the teen speakers at this Show and Tell StorySlam were truly showstopping; the event as a wholeย highlighted how often people discredit the experiences of young people, and how ignorant that thought really is. While, yes, money doesย encourage teenagers (as it encourages everyone whether theyโ€™d admit it or not), it was clear the Storytellers were after much more than monetary gain. Even through shyness and hesitance, stories were told, and they were heard, enveloped, and cherished by an audience of eager listeners. The Mitchell Street Library was a perfect location for this particular event, as the colorful room we wereย in was just the right size to be comfortable and welcoming! Mitchell Street is an area Iโ€™m sure many in the greater Milwaukee community would say theyโ€™ve passed through dozens of times, only adding to the significance of it being the chosen Slam location. The atmosphere Ex Fabula consistently harbors was even so comfortable that, despite expecting to sit and quietly and just enjoy the Slam, I too told a story in the end!ย 

Thereโ€™s absolutely nothing I would recommend more than to keep up with the work that Ex Fabula is doing, theyโ€™re nothing short of eye-opening and incredible. Check out their upcoming event on June 7th, the Teen StorySlam: โ€˜Standing on Businessโ€™ at Pridefest this year! You can also support and follow updates on their Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on the Ex Fabula website! After an experience like the Show and Tell StorySlam I attended, I know I will certainly keep up with their efforts in the future, and I hope that many more people will, too.ย 

Thanks to all the storytellers: Royina Karimi, Maia Lindvall (who also volunteered), Dot Hamelin-Garcia (who also served as event emcee), Thomas Fountain, Ethan Davis (who also volunteered), Amelia Wolski (also a volunteer!), Curtis Sims, Avionna, and Lyric Reade. Thanks to Sabrina Woo for the photos and Nia Orange for volunteering. Congratulations to the two winners, Royina and Thomas!ย 

More photos available in this Facebook album.