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Satori Shakoor COURTESY PHOTO[/caption]
Although less than two years old, the Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers has already been lauded by the Detroit City Council and awarded a prestigious Knight Arts Award.
SSTS, a live monthly storytelling event, is the brainchild of playwright, author, comedienne and musician Satori Shakoor. Shakoor, who also hosts the SSTS events, is masterful storyteller herself — National Public Radio’s the Moth Radio Hour has broadcast some of her work.
According to their website, the SSTS is an expression of love, commitment and support for Detroit through the art and craft of storytelling. Each month’s stories center on a different theme and the “twisted” storytellers come from all walks of life across the city.
On May 16, Detroit legend Ortheia Barnes, human rights activist Elena Herrada, author Sylvia Hubbard, Yolanda Jack, Jacquise Purifoy and Ping Spells will tell true, personal stories about their “Monumental Mothers.” Musical guest Theo Broughton and Graceful Anointing Dancers will round out the evening’s entertainment. The performance, held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, begins at 8 p.m.
“Events like the (SSTS) bring out the artist in all of us, helping us to think creatively about our lives and our communities and share the stories that bring people together,” said Dennis Scholl, vice president of arts for Knight Foundation.
“People coming to these shows experience a feeling of life, growth and excitement through connecting, and that deserves a place to be showcased,” says Juanita Moore, president of the Charles H. Wright Museum.
Tickets $16 online, $20 at door. For more information and to watch video performances, please visit: www.secretstorytellers.org or call 313.744.6037.
— Staff report
