Tag: City Artist Corps

Episode 60 – Defiant (Part 2)

The second half of our “Defiant” show drops us back into the peak of the pandemic, where our hero is taking Zoom calls and setting office policies from the solitude of his home.

As he struggles to define what’s right and what’s wrong while navigating a breakup and suburban judgment, he finds someone he’s willing to break the rules for.

Here is “Imaginary Rules” written by Marcos Stafne and performed by Moncho Alvarado.

Top left: Moncho Alvarado, Top right: Marcos Stafne, Photo credit: Sachyn Mital

Switching it up, we hear a heartbreaking series of letters to loved ones. Through imagery, history, and imagination, our second storyteller longs for answers and actions about the ongoing crisis and cruelty at the American borders.

Listen, as Marcos Stafne reads “Dead Familia” written by Moncho Alvarado.

For our “Defiant” show we were not only excited to be back as an OFFICIAL 2021 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT but to share these incredible stories in front of our first live audience in two years at a brilliant new venue, Culture Lab LIC!

Thank you, thank you to the Brooklyn Book FestivalLambda Literary, and City Artist Corps for helping to make No, YOU Tell It! part of New York City’s creative resurgence

Episode 59 – Defiant (Part 1)

This first “Defiant” story finds us, as described by the narrator, “on the precipice of Real Teen Shit.” In a small New York town, a teen explores his identity while working at the local Serenity Sweets Cafe developing friendships with the town rebels and navigating questionable adults in and around the shop. Balancing his good-boy persona with a newfound comfort from his “island of misfit toys” our narrator carves his own path.

Written by Bobby Hankinson and performed by Desi Waters, here is, “You’re Gonna Be Sweet, Boy.”

Bobby Hankinson (top right) and Desi Waters (top left) trade true tales! Photo credit: Sachyn Mital

Switching it up, tensions are high at the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall. A clumsy daughter fights back tears and curiosity during worship, afraid to rouse her mother’s wrath. A pinch and piercing stare is just the beginnings of a spiraling rage in this epic tale of expression, power, and, ultimately, acceptance.

Here is “Meltdown” written by Desi Waters and performed by Bobby Hankinson.

For our “Defiant” show we were not only excited to be back as an OFFICIAL 2021 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT but to share these incredible stories in front of our first live audience in two years at a brilliant new venue, Culture Lab LIC!

Thank you, thank you to the Brooklyn Book Festival, Lambda Literary, and City Artist Corps for helping to make No, YOU Tell It! part of New York City’s creative resurgence

“Defiant” Program

Sep 28 2021 @ 7:00PM

Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7 pm
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2021 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL EVENT.
  • Proof of vaccination is required for entry
  • Due to the spread of the highly contagious delta variant, the City of New York strongly recommends everyone wear a mask whenever they are in a public, indoor setting, even when it is not required, and in any setting where you do not know who around you may be vaccinated.
Take a look at our “Defiant” storytellers who are trading true-life tales.

Tonight’s Stories!

You’re Gonna Be Sweet, Boy written by Bobby Hankinson, performed by Desi Waters, and directed by Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons

Meltdown written by Desi Waters, performed by Bobby Hankinson, and directed by Erika Iverson

Imaginary Rules written by Marcos Stafne, performed by Moncho Alvarado, and directed by Erika Iverson

Dead Familia written by Moncho Alvarado, performed by Marcos Stafne, and directed by Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons

Listen carefully because we’ll be doing story trivia for a chance to win storyteller Bobby Hankinson’s anthology, Welcome to Kweendom: LGBTQ Comedians Make Pride Personal with Stories of Love, Loss, Sex, and Everything Under The Rainbow.

Click here to order the book now from our friends at The Astoria Bookshop.

Huge thank you to the Brooklyn Book Festival, Lambda Literary, City Artist Corps/NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and The Astoria Bookshop for helping make tonight’s show possible!

On a personal note, I’m in awe and grateful to see No, YOU Tell It! return for a live performance and working hard to bring the series back for a full season in 2022.

Switching stories to embody each other’s experience in a live performance creates the kind of empathetic connections that are essential 19+ months into a pandemic.

Want to show your support? Here are 3 great ways:

  1. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter for updates.
  2. SHARE the No, YOU Tell It! Podcast far and wide. Available on our website and your fav podcasting platforms.
  3. DONATE through our fiscal sponsor The Field. Plus, it’s tax-deductible.

Thank you!
Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons

Event Information

Sep 28 2021 @ 7:00PM

Culture Lab LIC, Gallery B (5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, New York, NY 11101)

City Artist Corps

Sep 28 2021 @ 7:00PM

Sharing exciting news with you all that No, YOU Tell It! part of the #CityArtistCorps!

We are looking forward to our No, YOU Tell It! “Defiant” show on 9/28 and being a part of New York City’s creative resurgence.

THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2021 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT

Thanks to @nyfacurrent, @NYCulture, @madein_ny, and @queenstheatre for the support!

Event Information

Sep 28 2021 @ 7:00PM

Culture Lab LIC, Gallery B (5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, New York, NY 11101)