Inaugural Isaacson School and Justice Snow’s “Writ Large” event takes place tonight, Jan. 14, at 8:30 p.m.
This article was first published in the Aspen Times. By Andrew Travers.
Justice Snow’s and the Isaacson School for New Media at Colorado Mountain College are launching a new storytelling series this week at the downtown bar and restaurant.
Titled “Writ Large,” the bimonthly series will feature true personal stories, told live, from Isaacson School students and members of the general public in a forum reminiscent of the popular radio show “The Moth.”
“Expect to be touched,” said organizer Alya Howe. “When I watched the rehearsal, some made me laugh and some made me cry.”
Storytellers at the inaugural free event Wednesday, Jan. 14 include local comedian Glenn Smith, Aspen-based voice actor Susan Terra (whose work has included Wal-Mart commercials), actress Lynn Aliya and student journalist/ski instructor Justin Patrick.
Their stories offer a diverse portrait of the lives of Roaring Fork Valley residents. Carbondale’s Eric Altenbernd has a story about building a 43-foot ocean-faring trimaran in a local greenhouse. Rhumba Liquors owner Beth Maun has one about her family, which includes children, dogs, horses and chickens along with a cat, turtle and rabbit.
“Everyone has a story to tell,” said Howe. “It’s an unraveling, revelatory experience for both the listener and the storyteller.”
At a cultural moment where people communicate more and more electronically, and via short text messages, Howe said, the series aims to feed the natural human need for face-to-face contact.
“This is a chance to take a moment and listen to a piece of someone’s life,” said Howe. “It’s very tender.”
It also offers students and locals the chance to practice the craft of storytelling, and perform in front of a live audience. Isaacson School students will record the stories shared at Writ Large, and Howe said the school is planning future broadcasts on its radio station and YouTube.
The series is part of an expanding, eclectic lineup of events at Justice Snow’s, which already includes regular “Poetry Brothel” events, the curated “Salon at Justice Snow’s” events, and its “Americana Music Series,” which starts up again next month.