Untold Stories returns to the Palmer Depot tonight

PALMER — It’s time for another season of Untold Stories. The Valley’s own live storytelling series is starting off the new year with the theme: “surviving.”

Seven storytellers have been getting ready for this Sunday’s show. From funny stories of road trips to harrowing tales of bear attacks, there will be many takes on how these Alaskans survive the winter.

“In these time that are so divisive on many levels, stories bring people together,” said Betty Pierce, a founding member of Untold Stories.

People from across the Mat-Su hop onto the stage to share their personal stories: “funny, sad and sweet. Seven people each present a seven-minute long, true story about themselves, touching on the show’s theme.

“It feels rich and satisfying – almost like a meal,” Pierce said.

Drawing inspiration from Arctic Entries in Anchorage, Untold Stories puts the Palmer spin on spoken word entertainment, often with a guest speaker offering a historical perspective on the area. There will not be one this time around but the group of storytellers has spent 2 rehearsals polishing their stories together.

“Having two makes a huge difference,” Pierce said.

Founding member and regular speaker, Emily Forstner coached the performers during both rehearsals. They narrowed down their stories. They cut, edited and refined their narratives until they could confidently recite them without using any notes. The stories selected contained qualities that made for a compelling story. Each story had a conflict, resolution and a takeaway. Forstner and others worked together to streamline every narration so the audience can fully immerse. The renowned poet, Maya Angelou has a quote that sparked the name of series: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

Storyteller line up:

Marilyn Bennett: “Surviving: A Grandmother’s Survival Tale”

Don Berberich: “Winter Archery Moose Hunt”

Alys Culhane: “Meeting Pete and Ditching Paul”

Linda Lozanoff: “Surviving”

Jim Sykes: “A Moment to Survive”

Mari Troshynski: “Surviving my Childhood as a Clown; Surviving Nature; Surviving Myself”

Debra Moore-Yarbrough: “Survival Lesson from an Expert”

Untold Stories is the first of its kind in the Valley, and it reflects a movement of live storytelling and expression. According to the forces behind it, the growth is exponential.

“Don’t you think there’s a coziness?” Pierce said. “Sharing stories is like sharing your heart.”

The show starts at 6 in the evening at the Palmer Train Depot. Tickets cost $15 and $10 for students. There will be soup and bread available for purchase. Russ Dunlap will play the guitar as people enter the Depot and during intermission. Proceeds from Untold Stories ticket sales support the Palmer Museum of History and Art. The next Untold Stories will be in February with the theme: “Road Trips.” Stories can be entered at the Palmer Museum website. Anyone is welcome to submit their tale. For more information, look up Untold Stories on Facebook or visit: www.palmermuseum.org.