Ordinary Tasmanians' extraordinary experiences will again be centre stage at Junction Arts Festival in September.
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Nitty Gritty will return for the second year after the inaugural two-day event brought powerful, inspiring and occasionally funny stories of everyday Tasmanians to the spotlight.
This year 10 individuals will voice their untold stories upstairs at the Workers Club from September 6 to 7, giving them social currency and creating a bond between the storyteller and crowd.
Hosted by highly regarded Australian comedian Rachel Berger, this year's themes are embarrassment and triumph.
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Embarrassment is a moment of self-consciousness, shame and awkwardness, Berger said it's like an explosion on the inside because adrenaline starts pumping and blood vessels dilate.
"It's exactly the same fight-or-flight reaction your body has when you're in danger. While being embarrassed might make you feel like your world is ending, it really isn't," she said.
For triumph, it's stories of accomplishment and success.
"Imagine a mouthful of red lemonade followed by a lime-sherbet chaser," Berger said.
"You're pumped, blood vessels dilated but this time it feels like you want to pull the stuffing out of the couch or dance on the tabletop."
Creator and MC of the event, Berger is passionate about creating work that leads to a better understanding between different groups and individuals within the community.
"What makes these stories so compelling is that we're hearing something that's authentic at a time when it's hard to know anymore what's real or what's advertising," Berger said.
"It also gives us all the opportunity to go to places we would never otherwise go and meet people we would never ordinarily talk to."
Participants will spend the day of their performance in a workshop run by Berger to develop and refine their unique and true stories before taking to the stage without notes or props.
"Through stories, we appreciate our differences. Through stories, we strengthen our bonds. Through stories, we celebrate life," Berger said.
"It's also an act of generosity: no one is telling their story to get rich or famous they're simply sharing their life or their thoughts."
Participants must be born in Tasmania or arrived from elsewhere and now call the Apple Isle home.
To express interest in telling your story, visit Junction's website.
- Junction will be held throughout Launceston from September 4 to 8.