#ImNoJaneDoe Women on the Revolution #ImNoJaneDoe A celebration of the power of a woman's voice Sunday, November 3, 2019 Megan Twohey, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times Reporter and co-author of She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement; Jim DeRogatis, author of Soulless - The Case Against R. Kelly, Larissa Marten activist,... The First Time SlamSeries The First Time Must be 21 years or older to attend Monday, November 4, 2019 First Person Arts and the Erotic Literary Salon have joined forces to produce the Erotic Slam – First Time. Curated presenters will read their edgy pieces that have the capacity to transform, banish sexual shame and... Socrates Now Immortal Series Socrates Now Tuesday, November 5, 2019 SOCRATES NOW is a 90-minute solo performance-discourse, which captures the essence of Socratic ethics in an accessible and engaging manner and has been performed to great acclaim at the United Nations, the Athens Agora, the NBC Today Show, and in... Jericho Brown Becoming Philadelphia Series Jericho Brown Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Who is this nation? Where does freedom truly lie? Jericho Brown will read from his new collection The Tradition that speaks to core concerns of everyone who is from somewhere else, becoming Philadelphia. His poems of fatherhood, legacy,... StorySlam SlamSeries StorySlam Must be 21 years or older to attend Wednesday, November 6, 2019 We can’t get enough of your stories and we decided to add one more StorySlam this year. And we want you to decide on the theme! You have three categories to choose from: Romance, Comedy of Errors, and Sexy. Give a suggestion for each. Go... Ladan Osman Becoming Philadelphia Series Ladan Osman Thursday, November 7, 2019 Are feelings of displacement and alienation echoes of the longing Adam and Eve felt upon their exile from Eden? Osman’s work is a lyric and exegetic response to problems of race, gender, displacement, and colonialism. She is also the author... SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Workshops SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Saturday, November 9, 2019 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Have you ever thought about putting your name in the First Person Arts Slam bucket but stopped yourself? This class is to unstop you! SlamCamp for Beginners is designed for beginners but is open to all storytellers who... Holiday Gift Making Workshops Holiday Gift Making Sunday, November 10, 2019 Turn your own story into a holiday gift! Join Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker/mixed media artist, for a Mixed Media Memoir Workshop at Da Vinci Art Alliance. Materials provided but we encourage you to bring significant personal mementos,... Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
The First Time SlamSeries The First Time Must be 21 years or older to attend Monday, November 4, 2019 First Person Arts and the Erotic Literary Salon have joined forces to produce the Erotic Slam – First Time. Curated presenters will read their edgy pieces that have the capacity to transform, banish sexual shame and... Socrates Now Immortal Series Socrates Now Tuesday, November 5, 2019 SOCRATES NOW is a 90-minute solo performance-discourse, which captures the essence of Socratic ethics in an accessible and engaging manner and has been performed to great acclaim at the United Nations, the Athens Agora, the NBC Today Show, and in... Jericho Brown Becoming Philadelphia Series Jericho Brown Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Who is this nation? Where does freedom truly lie? Jericho Brown will read from his new collection The Tradition that speaks to core concerns of everyone who is from somewhere else, becoming Philadelphia. His poems of fatherhood, legacy,... StorySlam SlamSeries StorySlam Must be 21 years or older to attend Wednesday, November 6, 2019 We can’t get enough of your stories and we decided to add one more StorySlam this year. And we want you to decide on the theme! You have three categories to choose from: Romance, Comedy of Errors, and Sexy. Give a suggestion for each. Go... Ladan Osman Becoming Philadelphia Series Ladan Osman Thursday, November 7, 2019 Are feelings of displacement and alienation echoes of the longing Adam and Eve felt upon their exile from Eden? Osman’s work is a lyric and exegetic response to problems of race, gender, displacement, and colonialism. She is also the author... SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Workshops SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Saturday, November 9, 2019 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Have you ever thought about putting your name in the First Person Arts Slam bucket but stopped yourself? This class is to unstop you! SlamCamp for Beginners is designed for beginners but is open to all storytellers who... Holiday Gift Making Workshops Holiday Gift Making Sunday, November 10, 2019 Turn your own story into a holiday gift! Join Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker/mixed media artist, for a Mixed Media Memoir Workshop at Da Vinci Art Alliance. Materials provided but we encourage you to bring significant personal mementos,... Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
Socrates Now Immortal Series Socrates Now Tuesday, November 5, 2019 SOCRATES NOW is a 90-minute solo performance-discourse, which captures the essence of Socratic ethics in an accessible and engaging manner and has been performed to great acclaim at the United Nations, the Athens Agora, the NBC Today Show, and in... Jericho Brown Becoming Philadelphia Series Jericho Brown Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Who is this nation? Where does freedom truly lie? Jericho Brown will read from his new collection The Tradition that speaks to core concerns of everyone who is from somewhere else, becoming Philadelphia. His poems of fatherhood, legacy,... StorySlam SlamSeries StorySlam Must be 21 years or older to attend Wednesday, November 6, 2019 We can’t get enough of your stories and we decided to add one more StorySlam this year. And we want you to decide on the theme! You have three categories to choose from: Romance, Comedy of Errors, and Sexy. Give a suggestion for each. Go... Ladan Osman Becoming Philadelphia Series Ladan Osman Thursday, November 7, 2019 Are feelings of displacement and alienation echoes of the longing Adam and Eve felt upon their exile from Eden? Osman’s work is a lyric and exegetic response to problems of race, gender, displacement, and colonialism. She is also the author... SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Workshops SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Saturday, November 9, 2019 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Have you ever thought about putting your name in the First Person Arts Slam bucket but stopped yourself? This class is to unstop you! SlamCamp for Beginners is designed for beginners but is open to all storytellers who... Holiday Gift Making Workshops Holiday Gift Making Sunday, November 10, 2019 Turn your own story into a holiday gift! Join Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker/mixed media artist, for a Mixed Media Memoir Workshop at Da Vinci Art Alliance. Materials provided but we encourage you to bring significant personal mementos,... Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
Jericho Brown Becoming Philadelphia Series Jericho Brown Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Who is this nation? Where does freedom truly lie? Jericho Brown will read from his new collection The Tradition that speaks to core concerns of everyone who is from somewhere else, becoming Philadelphia. His poems of fatherhood, legacy,... StorySlam SlamSeries StorySlam Must be 21 years or older to attend Wednesday, November 6, 2019 We can’t get enough of your stories and we decided to add one more StorySlam this year. And we want you to decide on the theme! You have three categories to choose from: Romance, Comedy of Errors, and Sexy. Give a suggestion for each. Go... Ladan Osman Becoming Philadelphia Series Ladan Osman Thursday, November 7, 2019 Are feelings of displacement and alienation echoes of the longing Adam and Eve felt upon their exile from Eden? Osman’s work is a lyric and exegetic response to problems of race, gender, displacement, and colonialism. She is also the author... SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Workshops SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Saturday, November 9, 2019 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Have you ever thought about putting your name in the First Person Arts Slam bucket but stopped yourself? This class is to unstop you! SlamCamp for Beginners is designed for beginners but is open to all storytellers who... Holiday Gift Making Workshops Holiday Gift Making Sunday, November 10, 2019 Turn your own story into a holiday gift! Join Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker/mixed media artist, for a Mixed Media Memoir Workshop at Da Vinci Art Alliance. Materials provided but we encourage you to bring significant personal mementos,... Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
StorySlam SlamSeries StorySlam Must be 21 years or older to attend Wednesday, November 6, 2019 We can’t get enough of your stories and we decided to add one more StorySlam this year. And we want you to decide on the theme! You have three categories to choose from: Romance, Comedy of Errors, and Sexy. Give a suggestion for each. Go... Ladan Osman Becoming Philadelphia Series Ladan Osman Thursday, November 7, 2019 Are feelings of displacement and alienation echoes of the longing Adam and Eve felt upon their exile from Eden? Osman’s work is a lyric and exegetic response to problems of race, gender, displacement, and colonialism. She is also the author... SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Workshops SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Saturday, November 9, 2019 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Have you ever thought about putting your name in the First Person Arts Slam bucket but stopped yourself? This class is to unstop you! SlamCamp for Beginners is designed for beginners but is open to all storytellers who... Holiday Gift Making Workshops Holiday Gift Making Sunday, November 10, 2019 Turn your own story into a holiday gift! Join Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker/mixed media artist, for a Mixed Media Memoir Workshop at Da Vinci Art Alliance. Materials provided but we encourage you to bring significant personal mementos,... Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
Ladan Osman Becoming Philadelphia Series Ladan Osman Thursday, November 7, 2019 Are feelings of displacement and alienation echoes of the longing Adam and Eve felt upon their exile from Eden? Osman’s work is a lyric and exegetic response to problems of race, gender, displacement, and colonialism. She is also the author... SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Workshops SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Saturday, November 9, 2019 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Have you ever thought about putting your name in the First Person Arts Slam bucket but stopped yourself? This class is to unstop you! SlamCamp for Beginners is designed for beginners but is open to all storytellers who... Holiday Gift Making Workshops Holiday Gift Making Sunday, November 10, 2019 Turn your own story into a holiday gift! Join Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker/mixed media artist, for a Mixed Media Memoir Workshop at Da Vinci Art Alliance. Materials provided but we encourage you to bring significant personal mementos,... Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Workshops SlamCamp with Nimisha Ladva Saturday, November 9, 2019 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Have you ever thought about putting your name in the First Person Arts Slam bucket but stopped yourself? This class is to unstop you! SlamCamp for Beginners is designed for beginners but is open to all storytellers who... Holiday Gift Making Workshops Holiday Gift Making Sunday, November 10, 2019 Turn your own story into a holiday gift! Join Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker/mixed media artist, for a Mixed Media Memoir Workshop at Da Vinci Art Alliance. Materials provided but we encourage you to bring significant personal mementos,... Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
Holiday Gift Making Workshops Holiday Gift Making Sunday, November 10, 2019 Turn your own story into a holiday gift! Join Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker/mixed media artist, for a Mixed Media Memoir Workshop at Da Vinci Art Alliance. Materials provided but we encourage you to bring significant personal mementos,... Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
Taylor Mali Becoming Philadelphia Series Taylor Mali Sunday, November 10, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian Taylor Mali is... I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
I Killed the Cow Women on the Revolution I Killed the Cow Sunday, November 10, 2019 I Killed the Cow is a one-woman show by Larissa Marten, that uses metaphor to talk about sexual assault. It inspires discourse and reflection, furthering understanding in the realm of sexual assault by combating misinformation and stigma. Rush... Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
Banished Immortal Series Banished Monday, November 11, 2019 This performance asks the uncomfortable questions. It shines a light on the darkened halls of the child sex offender registry. It challenges perceptions and informs the public. The performance will be followed by a facilitated... Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams We appreciate you! There are so many ways to support First Person Arts, and every one is important. Learn More
Geffery Davis Becoming Philadelphia Series Geffery Davis Tuesday, November 12, 2019 We invite you to participate in this series of FREE poetry readings & our signature First Person Arts StoryShare Circles in the communities where you live. We want to hear your stories of becoming a Philadelphian. Night Angler... Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for... Our performers have included Grammy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners, nationally, internationally and unknown artists - all using the power of their personal experiences to transform the spaces around them. We're proud to have presented... Toni Morrision Philadelphia Poet Laureates Sonia Sanchez & Yolanda Wisher Angela Davis Kathryn Erbe Zach Grenier Keith David Felonious Munk Dave Hill Maria Bamford Margaret Cho Janeane Garofalo Hari Kondabolu Dael Orlandersmith Ursula Rucker Theatre of War Ntozake Shange (in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia) Martha Graham Cracker Aunt Mary Pat Mike Daisey Nadya Tolokonikkova (Pussy Riot) Berneice Johnson Reagon (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock) Fatin Danzler (Kindred The Family Soul) Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire) Bilal FREEWAY DJ Rick Medina Black Thought (The Roots) Welcome to Night Vale RISK! Hungry Ira Glass (in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) Story League Stripped Stories Ana Castillo Jennifer Teege Dani Shapiro Ruby Wax Chef Marcus Samuelsson Eric Asimov (NY Times Wine Critic) Past Festival Sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia Partner Bill Curran Design Partner Fairmont Ventures Sponsor Free Library of Philadelphia Sponsor Metro Media Sponsor National Endowment for the Arts Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Sponsor PGN Media Sponsor PNC Arts Alive Grant The Inquirer Media Sponsor University of Pennsylvania Sponsor Visit Philadelphia Media Sponsor Sponsor the 2019 First Person Arts Festival Connect with our young, educated, and highly engaged audience! Learn More Listen to Stories You can find recordings of selected Festival events online throughout the year on our website, podcast and partner sites like WHYY acommonspace.org radio hour and podcast series, or NewsWorks. Find a Story Tell Your Story With this full roster of regional, national and international artists, we still make room for people who don’t consider themselves artists on our Slam stages! Learn More About StorySlams
Out of the Shadows Women on the Revolution Out of the Shadows This event is supported by New Century Trust Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Women’s reproductive rights are under attack in states all across the country. Join us for this multigenerational event at the Friends Center where brave women will share stories from the frontlines of the fight for abortion... Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for...
Life, Death, Life Again Immortal Series Life, Death, Life Again Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Life, Death, Life Again: Children Sentenced to Die in Prison shares the stories of people sentenced to die in prison for violent crimes committed as children, and a victim’s grandson who chose to lead with forgiveness. Rush Tickets are... Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for...
Engaging Males of Color Beyond Expectations Engaging Males of Color Thursday, November 14, 2019 Coming Home after incarceration is a new beginning, challenging, and even at times hilarious. Join us for an evening featuring a group of incredible males of color sharing true, personal stories about their experiences as returning... Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for...
Tina Chang Becoming Philadelphia Series Tina Chang Saturday, November 16, 2019 The poems in Tina Chang’s new collection are an examination of mixed race through the lens of motherhood, and an open interpretation of violence selfhood and history. Tina Chang was raised in New York City. She is the first female to be... Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for...
Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Workshops Che Guerrera Comedy SlamCamp Saturday, November 16, 2019 Che Guerrero’s stand-up workshops are designed for complete beginners or those with relatively little experience writing and telling their own jokes in front of a crowd. It’s a great safe space to start because it will help you get... GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for...
GrandSlam SlamSeries GrandSlam Saturday, November 16, 2019 Chris Lundy, one of your favorite hosts, returns for our 18th birthday! This season’s StorySlam winners go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia,” free First Person Arts Slam admission for...