Residents of Nome will soon have an opportunity to enjoy a night of storytelling that reflects the region’s unique way of life. Tales from Around the Woodstove, hosted by the Nome Arts Council, invites locals to share and hear stories that capture the memorable moments of life in western Alaska.
The storytelling event gets its roots from "Arctic Entries" established in 2015. Since then, it has evolved into Tales From Around the Woodstove and encourages people of all ages to participate.
This year’s event will be hosted by Rob Prince, co-creator and executive producer of the podcast Dark Winter Nights. The former University of Alaska Fairbanks professor and long-time storyteller hopes the night will be both entertaining and build lasting memories for the community.
“It's about bringing us together and building community. And in the long term, these stories will be saved for the future. Future generations will get to see kind of snapshots of what life is like for us now,” Prince said.
Prince says stories that show the “real Alaska” and cover once-in-a-lifetime moments will be perfect for Tales From Around the Woodstove, but is encouraging anyone with a story to apply.
“We want to share the real Alaska with the world,” Prince said. “I like a story that's exceptional, it's not something that happens very often. And I'm particularly a fan of what I would call ‘fiasco stories’, where one thing goes wrong and then another thing goes wrong. Those stories are great, but honestly there's a ton of exceptions.”
Submissions are open until September 20, after which selected storytellers will receive guidance from the production team before taking the stage. According to Prince, this light coaching ensures stories are cohesive but still retain a relaxed, conversational tone.
“We want this show to feel like we’re just sitting around a dining room table sharing stories together,” he said.
Even if not submitting a story, Prince hopes the people of Nome come to the event to laugh, listen, and learn with the community.
“The more we share stories from our lives with each other, the more connected that communities feel,” Prince said. “Come just because it's a great time to hang out with other folks in your community and hear the incredible stories that your fellow Nomeites have experienced.”
Submit stories to Margaret Thomas at nomeartscouncil@gmail.com by September 20. The event will be held at Old St. Joe’s from 7-9 p.m. on October 26.
