Crossing Borders: Stories about faith, courage, and hope showcases four regional tellers who share their experiences about encounters with “other”—people from different cultures, races, religions, and countries.
When she was a young mother, Israeli immigrant Noa Baum met another young immigrant mother, a Palestinian, at a potluck in America. Their friendship evolved over the years, and one day Noa asked her friend to tell her what life was like growing up a Palestinian in East Jerusalem. What she learned inspired Noa to develop a live storytelling performance that examines the contradicting national narratives of Jews and Palestinians.
You can hear Baum’s and other tellers’ stories at a special matinee performance November 2 in Arlington. Other tellers include Danita Green, Gayle Turner, and Sufian Zhemukhov. Crossing Borders is storytelling with a purpose. Producer Sarah Snyder’s intent is to spark curiosity in the experience of others, with the ultimate goal of fostering empathy for those we don’t understand or might even feel animosity toward. “Inviting someone into a story provides more understanding than an argument, no matter how much fact or logic is in the argument. It opens the path to compassion and dialogue,” Baum says. Following the performance, Baum will facilitate a one-hour storytelling workshop, where participants get a chance to tell a partner a quick story, using prompts. The fun workshop gives people an opportunity to share themselves and learn something about a stranger. The event wraps up with a light fellowship meal. Net proceeds for Crossing Borders will be donated to The Alliance for Housing Solutions in Arlington. Advanced ticket purchase is required. When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019; 2 – 5 PM Where: Church of the Covenant, 2666 Military Road, Arlington, VA Price: $40 individuals; $20 students; $65 family (2 to 4 people of any age) Tickets: www.LunaRiverVoices.com/events