STORIES, Four Stories Four Women is a compilation of four different stories by four different women who have suffered trauma and/or mental health issues, survived and now thrive. By using the arts [writing, photography, visual and dance], we see that through the process of creating art they were able to rebuild their world just by the very nature of its’ healing and creative process. Through art they were able to create a new narrative, offer themselves hope and possibilities. STORIES is based on the real stories of real women with real traumas and/or mental health issues.
Our First reading at Manhattan College, April 2023: Thank you so much for bringing Four Stories to Manhattan College during Violence Against Women Awareness month. Our students and staff were enriched by the performance and the discussion. The performance was provocative and elicited deep dialogue and personal reflection. I would recommend it for other campuses as it brings to light very complex issues in a very accessible manner. The production is insightful, encourages social critique, and is easy to host in almost any venue. We look forward to having you again on campus in the future.
Esmilda Abreu-Hornbostel, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, Manhattan College
At its 'essence, is ‘the healing power of the arts’
‘When you can connect with that voice within, Art prevails’.
The arts can break down those walls of resistance.
It is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary project where artists of distinctly different disciplines have come together to develop a work that will be used to inspire others.
Our mission is to highlight the importance of creativity and the arts in our lives and their potential to heal.
Goals: to spotlight the transformative powers of the arts; to inspire others to tell their stories; to express the importance of owning your story; to show that we can heal from trauma; to show the importance of expressing feelings, emotions and thoughts throughout our lives; to show that we can overcome challenges and obstacles in our lives; to create a community and connections
Campaign: Own Your Story, Find Your Creative Voice
Empowerment Statement: ‘I own my story’
At its’ core this production is about ‘Owning your story’ These women ‘own their story’
Personal growth is a journey, not an event. It’s a becoming. As author Brené Brown writes, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”
Find your creative voice and learn to use it!
‘What does it mean to “own your story?" In a nutshell, it means to be honest with yourself about the reality of your life: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It means refusing to make up stories to justify mistakes or protect oneself from guilt.’ What Does It Mean to Own Your Own Story?
Annie Higgins
“When you own your story, you own your life. You control the narrative; you seize personal agency. You choose what you'll write next in the book of your life.” Own Your Story, Own Your Life Graig Stanland
