It’s story time in Philadelphia. In celebration of First Person Arts’ 10th Anniversary, the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art is taking over Old City for an unprecedented eleven days. In keeping with the mission of First Person Arts, we’re giving you more of the provocative, playful, and personal programs you love. Enjoy theater, storytelling, documentary film, workshops, author readings, and more- all inspired by real life experience.

Explore all of our Festival programming by visiting our Show Page or by downloading our Festival brochure.

RETURN TO THE FESTIVAL HOMEPAGE.

2011 Festival Highlights

Liberty City- April Yvette Thompson’s powerful one-woman show, takes place at the end of the 1970’s Black Power Movement in Miami. Liberty City weaves a rich story of family, race and the value of understanding one’s history while forging one’s own path. With chameleon-like skill, Thompson deftly brings to life the many people that shaped her experience, including her progressive, Cuban-Bahamian father and African-American mother. Co-written and directed by Jessica Blank. Originally produced by New York Theater Workshop and developed by 651 Arts. Watch clips here.
BUY TICKETS TO LIBERTY CITY HERE.

The Adam Wade from NH Show- Storyteller Adam Wade, a hit at Slam Nation and a record 17-time Moth StorySlam winner, returns to Philly. His one-man show, a Time Out New York Critic’s Pick, features brutally honest and comic stories from his adolescent years in New Hampshire. Accompanied by embarrassing home videos and music, Adam delves into the sweetly awkward moments of youth. Listen to Adam’s interview with WHYY’s Peter Crimmins about Slam Nation. With an opening act by local comedian and storyteller, Hillary Rea.
BUY TICKETS TO THE ADAM WADE IN NH SHOW HERE.

A Small Act- This critically acclaimed film follows one small act as its impact changes lives throughout the world. Forty years ago, Hilde Back sponsored an anonymous, rural Kenyan student for $15 a month. For Chris Mburu (pictured left), that support helped him fulfill his goals of attending Harvard Law School and becoming a human rights lawyer for the United Nations. Inspired by Hilde’s gift, Chris starts his own scholarship program to help the children of Kenya realize their educational goals. He decides to track down the stranger that changed his life and the two forge an incomparable friendship. Watch the trailer. BUY TICKETS TO A SMALL ACT HERE.

SAVE ON FESTIVAL TICKETS AND SUPPORT STORYTELLING IN PHILADELPHIA. First Person members get a special sneak peak at the Festival line-up, the first chance to buy tickets to sell-out events like the Fall Grand Slam, plus discounts and free tickets to Festival events.
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