Telling It Like It Is

Confabulation Shares True Stories

Fringe ArtsElysha del Giusto-Enos — Published March 16, 2012

It’s what you’d likely be talking about among close friends, except here you’re doing it behind a microphone for a crowd of people.

At Confabulation, the stage is set for a night of true stories to the theme of “Strange Luck — Tales of the Twists and Turns of Fate.” Founder Matt Goldberg fashioned his monthly series after The Moth, a 15-year-old not-for-profit organization dedicated to the art of storytelling.

“I think what makes a good story is connection,” Goldberg said. “We as an audience need to be able to identify with and understand where the storyteller is coming from.”

Part of making that connection is Confabulation’s policy of no notes, no props, and no gimmicks.

After about two years of putting storytellers on stage for their 10 to 12 minutes of fame the event has earned a stable following.

Performing with the improv and sketch group Uncalled For has given Goldberg a good sense of what it takes to make a story work. He points to a connection between the person on-stage and the audience as being essential.

“It’s like the bond between audience and performer we think of in theatre, but much more open. Because we don’t have the barrier of character or fiction between the performer and the audience, a good story is good because we can feel that connection.”

And it’s not just the plot that matters, Goldberg also places importance on what he calls, “landing the ending.”

“Where we choose to end, to cap off our stories so that they feel earned, special—that’s key.”

Confabulation / March 16 / 8:00 p.m. / Shift Space (1190 St. Antoine Rd. W. / PWYC (suggested donation $6) more info