Stories Of Stuff

In Redruth, after attending a Writers’ Room with lead writer Annamaria Murphy, writers Sarah Connors, Keith Sparrow, Felicity Tattersall, and Mark Crees delved into the stories behind cherished possessions. Engaging with local groups such as Shallal Inclusive Dance theatre, Coastline Housing and individuals from shops and cafes, writers captured tales inspired by treasured objects. The resulting stories, alongside photographs of the individuals and the objects, were exhibited in a beautiful story cabinet showcased at Kresen Kernow and told back to people through a performance by The Story Republic. Following this project, The Writers’ Block created a publication, The Redruth Story Book, collating the huge variety of story projects in our town, and celebrating its heritage, its community and its future.

In Liskeard, Liz Berg, Joshua Edwards, P.T. McAllister, Cheryl Nosworthy, and Shelley Trower collaborated with cultural hubs and community groups such as Liskeard Library, Liskeard Museum and the Liskerrett Centre to uncover and preserve unique narratives of Liskeard’s residents. There was a particular focus on working with health related community groups, giving participants the opportunity to be part of community activity beyond their health condition. The stories were shared through printed postcards and the exhibition case at Liskeard Library displayed the stories alongside illustrations and objects. With pop-up performances by The Story Republic, these tales echoed through Liskeard’s streets.

In Devonport, emerging writers Jon Nash, Jane Spurr, Aurora Hunt and Sacha Cvetsanovic collaborated with Anna to explore Devonport as part of their Writers’ Room, in partnership with Real Ideas. As well as stories inspired by Navy walls, shipping containers and black eyes, they collected footage of the area with 3D cameras. This imagery accompanied their sharing in Devonport Market Hall Immersive Dome.