Wisconsin Story Project

“We are lonesome animals. We spend all our life trying to be less lonesome. One of our ancient methods is to tell a story begging the listener to say—and to feel—‘Yes, that’s the way it is, or at least that’s the way I feel it. You’re not as alone as you thought.’”

– John Steinbeck

Cancer Stories is the debut theatrical event of the Wisconsin Story Project.

The foundation of Wisconsin Story Project is known as documentary theater, or theater of testimony – it relies on collecting the experiences and stories of actual people in order to craft original works that address universal themes, exploring the human condition through the words and ideas of our Wisconsin neighbors.

For Cancer Stories, a dozen or so Wisconsin residents have been interviewed on camera. They are mothers and fathers, doctors, nurses, healers, and survivors, young and old, and everywhere in between. They have all faced cancer. And they have faced it in their own ways, on their own terms. Their stories are not only hopeful and frequently inspirational, but also filled with the realities of facing adversity: depression, anger, doubt, faith, love, confusion, strength, and community.

In collaboration with the CS creative team, the stories will be crafted into a work for the stage that will be performed as a fundraising event for the Canary Foundation, and other cancer-related organizations.

By telling these stories Wisconsin Story Project seeks to engage the community in a conversation about the multi-faceted subject of cancer with the aim of increasing understanding and ultimately strengthening the connections we all share.

Visit the Cancer Stories exhibit at the Overture Center for the Arts May 17 - June 20, 2010, in the Playhouse Gallery. Exhibiting artists include Carol Chase Bjerke, Efrat Livny, Rebecca Sadler, and others. The exhibit includes WSP's Story Booth, giving community members the opportunity to share a story of their own.