I am a big fan of Storytelling.  It is intrinsic to our humanity.  Every culture in the world has a story telling tradition.  And there is a reason for it.

Story Telling has the power to change lives.

Years ago, I saw Spaulding Gray do one of his amazing monologues at a huge 1000 seat theatre.  He sat on stage with a table in front of him and a microphone and a glass of water, and he simply told his personal story, simply, honestly, showing up and talking from his heart.  1000 people, myself included, sat mesmerized listening to his “adventures”.  Honestly, it was one of the greatest theatre events of my life.

In the process of listening to him, I became him.  I could feel his fear, his love, his joy, his frustration, and I could see what he experienced vividly in my imagination.  And I was moved, and changed by his performance.

This is the power of storytelling.  Stories, told truthfully, have magical transformational power.

So isn’t it about time you told your stories?  

You have a story that you are frightened of. Tell it.

And the fear will disappear.

Last year, I put up my one man play The People in my Hips which was the true story of how I developed severe PTSD and multiple personalities in my Hips from doing Yoga and then how I cured myself over 3 years.

 (Please check out http://www.thepeopleinmyhips.com  for the complete story)

This story was a part of me I shared with no one.  Something I was embarrassed about, but it was a story that needed to be told because it could help heal thousands of people with similar problems.  I remember on opening night I was scared out of my mind for I was sure that people would be frightened of me, of my mental disorder, (even though I cured myself of my condition) but the reaction from the audience was quite the contrary.  I received RAVE REVIEWS.   I looked my fear in the eye and grew from the experience.  Hopefully, we will be seeing an updated version of The People in My Hips this Spring at Manhattan Rep.

So is there a story you need to tell? I invite you to push past your fears, dare to be personal, intensely personal, and share it with the world.

It’s all good.

Ken Wolf, Artistic Director

Manhattan Repertory Theatre