The Covid-19 pandemic drastically altered our way of life. At a time where we would normally turn to our family, friends, and community to find strength and comfort, we are instead forced to isolate for the health and safety of one another. We are fortunate to live in an age where communication has largely become effortless. While these days have been difficult and demanding, it has been amazing to see how people are virtually fostering a sense of togetherness and understanding. We felt we could once again gather a community together around sharing memories.
Stories from Here shares a collection of genuine memories from individuals near and far retold as true short stories live each day (May 4 - May 8) by actors Anne Mason, Peter Parolin, and Apphia Campbell, accompanied by a selection of Mike Sinclair’s photographs. These memories, some funny, some heartbreaking, some seemingly banal, but all extraordinary in their own way, invite us to listen to a different place and time through an individual's life in a thought provoking and powerful way. We hoped the experience of listening to these memories could offer something to this moment, to help support a feeling of solace and solidarity.
Between 2015 and 2019, over 150 people in Calgary (Alberta), Kansas City (Missouri) and Laramie (Wyoming), generously accepted an invitation to participate in an exploration of the sense of place through people’s individual memories. Using a specifically developed exercise derived from police cognitive interview techniques, memories were recalled in unexpected detail bringing fascinating insights into people’s relationship to places, with all their complexities, perspectives and personal connections.
Vividly poignant, or seemingly mundane and insignificant, these painstakingly observed moments brought together touch on the complex diversity of our subconscious connection to geography. Whether a moment in a bar, a forest, a bus, a patrol base, a suburban front lawn, or an old hardware store, the memories bring to the fore a beautifully human aspect of place. (Here, Kansas City)
This invitation au voyage is a reminder of our connections to place and to each other at a time when the desire to connect with others outside of our homes and makeshift home offices elsewhere is a constant presence.
Stories from Here was devised by Sans façon and developed in collaboration with theatre director Nicholas Bone, actors Anne Mason, Peter Parolin, and Apphia Campbell, and with photographs by Mike Sinclair. This project is co-produced by Magnetic North (Scotland) and is being made possible by Contemporary Calgary, KCAI Crossroads Gallery: Center for Contemporary Practice, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Wyoming Public Radio, Laramie Public Art Coalition, Wyoming Art Party, and The Haub School of ENR.
Stories from Here brings together works created by Sans façon in partnership with the Esker Foundation Calgary, KCAI Crossroads Gallery: Center for Contemporary Practice, Laramie Public Art Coalition & The University of Wyoming.
