Connecting the Northern community through stories will be a core focus at this year’s Junction Arts Festival. 

Nitty Gritty is a two-night event created by highly regarded Australian comedian Rachel Berger.

The event brings untold, uniquely Tasmanian stories from lesser known voices to the spotlight.

“Throughout human history stories have been a primary force of human connection, and our most powerful tool for learning how to live with each other,” Berger said. 

“This project offers a designated platform for anyone from the community to share their story confident that people are ready and willing to listen.”

Each night six people will take to the stage to tell their true story.

Participants will spend the day of their performance in a workshop with Berger, focusing on developing stories before they take to the stage.

“When you listen to one person telling their true story in their own voice there’s a palpable trust between the storyteller and their audience,” Berger said.

“It’s authentic and encourages the kind of feeling that allows you to see the very best in people.”

Stories must be true, and no props, notes or cheat sheets can be taken on stage.

“I believe a true story, told in first person, has the power to transform our perceptions of the world,” Berger said.

Nitty Gritty will be held over two nights with each night having a unique theme. 

September 6 will be all about ‘secrets’, and ‘change’ will be the focus on September 7. 

“A secret is something confidential and private, intentionally kept hidden by you or others to elude observation or detection either for good or bad or to protect yourself or others,” Berger said. 

“A secret liaison, a secret crush on the bus driver or the secret passageway that only you know about.”

Change is about transition, transformation or modification.

“It’s a shift from one mood to another, one place to another, one gender to another; a renaissance of thought after a failed relationship or a life threatening illness,” Berger said. 

“Your body changes after surgery and the inevitable change from youth to old age.”

Whether the Apple Isle is a new home or you’ve been here for generations, Nitty Gritty is a chance to connect with the community through storytelling.

Held upstairs at the Workers Club at 6.30pm, there are only six spots available each night. 

To find out more about the event or to express interest in sharing your story, visit Junction’s website. 

Expressions of interest close on August 3.