SHARING THE STORY: A Performance of Oral Storytelling

SHARING THE STORY: A Performance of Oral Storytelling
Directed by Emily Hooper Lansana
Performances: February 20 at 7:30PM & February 21 at 7:30PM
Location: Logan 501
Tickets: $6 online | $8 at the door 

About the Production

This evening of tales both personal and epic will showcase the work of UChicago storytellers in a cozy, casual, lounge environment.  Come sit and relax, laugh and cry, and listen to storytellers each spin a tale that has been curated and workshopped under the direction of Emily Hooper Lansana. 

For more than thirty years, Emily has performed and taught as a storyteller and shared her work with audiences throughout Chicago and across the country. She has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival, the National Association of Black Storytellers Festival, and at a variety of museums, colleges, and performance venues. 

Nina Maxin - Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics and Theater & Performance Studies, Class of 2026

Isabelle Townley - Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Philosophy, Class of 2026  

Ash Kim - Bachelor of Science in Chemisty, Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Music, Class of 2029 

• Ash Kim is a first year triple major in Chemistry, TAPS and Music. This is their first pro show, and they’re honored to be casted. Previously, they’ve directed and acted in Theater [24], directed a staged reading, and played Antigone in The Burden of Burial: Antigone Reimagined, a short play showcase. They’re also a member of one of UChicago’s a cappella groups, Voices in Your Head! Other previous experience includes a cappella in high school as well as The Prom (Emma Nolan), Arsenic and Old Lace (Martha Brewster), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lysander), and more. They give their greatest thanks to the cast, crew, and staff, and their friends for forever supporting them and coming to all of their performances. 

Olivia Martin - Master of Arts in the Humanities, Class of 2026  

• Olivia Martin is a Master of Arts in the Humanities student who studies English and TAPS. They previously attended Georgetown University, where they directed, stage managed, and designed productions of various theatrical projects, including a 2022 production of RENT, various student-written works, and more. Their professional work includes fringe festivals, front-of-house work at regional theaters, and stage management for upcoming new musical (out) with Do Process. Sharing the Story is their performance debut at The University of Chicago, and you can catch them performing again on March 5th in The Life of Our Profound Sadness with the Getting the 90s We Deserve course! 

Keren Mukasa - Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics. Class of 2029   

Maya Miller - Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science, Minor in Neuroscience, Class of 2028  

Max Beck - Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Philosophy, Class of 2029  

• Maxwell Beck is a first year in the College studying Sociology and Philosophy. His notable past productions include Urinetown (Old Man Strong), Matilda (Nigel), YAMO (three years, various roles), and We're Live (Dr. Esquire). He loves telling stories in a variety of formats, and is excited to help bring this production to life with his acting experience!

Solomon Bergquist - Master of Arts in the Humanities, Class of 2027  

• Solomon Bergquist is a first-year Master of Arts in the Humanities student studying Yiddish Folktales. Previously, they’ve directed and acted in productions including Pippin, Cabaret, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, and Man of La Mancha. In their spare time, they perform circus, mime, magic, and fiddle music on the streets. They’re so excited to have been a part of this show!

Mia Xue - Master of Science in Finance  

• Mia Xue is a Master’s student in Finance and holds a minor in Educational Theater from NYU Steinhardt. She has previously worked on Happy Birthday, Mars Rover (Ensemble), NYUSH Reality Show (Stage Manager), and Pulse of Belonging and March 22 (Choreographer). She deeply enjoyed this heartwarming and inspiring journey alongside the storytellers, production staff, and Emily. She hopes you enjoy the stories!

Kiran Gounden-Kobes - Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Physics, Minor in Quantum    Information Science, Class of 2029  

Kelly Campos - Librarian, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Lower School)  

• Kelly Campos is a youth librarian at the UChicago Lab Schools. Born in Detroit, her story until now has taken her from ballet to Second City Detroit Mainstage, from rock & roll singer/songwriter to Kinko's copy specialist, and finally to the literary activism of librarianship. She believes in the power of stories to inspire, entertain, educate, and enlighten.

Matias Rojas - Bachelor of Arts in Theater & Performance Studies and English Language & Literature, Class of 2028

Emily Hooper Lansana - Director

• Emily Hooper Lansana is an award winning storyteller who serves as Senior Director of Programming and Engagement at the Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago. She teaches Storytelling courses in Theatre and Performance Studies and at the Crown School. She reimagines storytelling across theater, film, and visual installation, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. She has worked with organizations including the National Association of Black Storytellers, DuSable Museum, and Free Street Theater. She performs with In the Spirit and has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival, the National Association of Black Storytellers Festival, and at a wide range of museums, colleges, and performance venues. She holds a BA from Yale and an MA from Northwestern, and has received honors from 3Arts, Illinois Arts Council, and other institutions. 

Jake Sorgen- Sound Design

• Jake Sorgen (he/him) is a Chicago-based composer, sound artist, and sound designer. His work often blends text, music, and movement in both solo and collaborative settings and has been heard at Steppenwolf Theatre, Redtwist Theatre, The Story Theatre, Trap Door Theatre, 2nd Story, Haven Theatre, A Theatre in the Dark, Oakton College, and others. His concert works have been performed by Ashley Bathgate, Loadbang Ensemble, Kite Saxophone Quartet, and members of the Instant Composer’s Pool (NL) and Creative Music Studio (NY). From 2014-2019 Jake served as Composer in Residence and Artistic Associate for the Rogue Theatre in Tucson, AZ. He holds an MFA in Music Composition from the Vermont College of Fine Arts (jakesorgen.com)

August Petry - Lighting Design 

Razor Wintercastle Griffith - Stage Manager 

Sam Doepker - Sound Assistant