By Ash Radonski

The air crackled with anticipation at the Milwaukee-based Next Act Stage as people gathered  at Ex Fabula’s “Missed Connections” StorySlam. Hosted by David Lee and Tom Kertscher, a sense of levity was brought to the stage. The evening promised a unique blend of personal narratives and shared experiences. 

The stage, adorned with captivating lighting, set the scene for an intimate and engaging  performance. Before the show began, the room buzzed with conversation, a testament to the  event’s ability to foster community creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. The  diversity of the crowd reflected the event’s theme: to bring together people from all walks of  life to share their stories and connect on a deeper level. 

As the lights dimmed and the stage lights illuminated the speakers, a hush fell over the  audience. Nine brave storytellers took the stage, each weaving tales of missed opportunities,  unexpected encounters, and the enduring impact of human connection. Among the  captivating narratives were stories by Nancy B, Abbey Osborn, Katelyn Nye, Chaya Milchtein,  Katherine Zilka, Bailey Nixen, Wayne Hickson, Barbara Leigh, and Christine Kuramoto. Their  stories ranged from the humorous to the poignant, exploring the complexities of human  relationships, and the power of chance encounters. 

One storyteller recounted a missed flight that unexpectedly led to a relaxing afternoon in a  hot tub, while another shared the story of a chance meeting at a bike race that blossomed  into a lifelong marriage. A poignant tale of love and loss was shared by an elderly woman in a  wheelchair, moving the audience to tears. Another storyteller, a recent heart surgery survivor,  recounted finding solace and unexpected companionship at a lesbian bar, highlighting the  resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. 

The “Missed Connections” theme resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. In a world  often characterized by division and isolation, the event served as a powerful reminder of our  shared humanity and the importance of connecting with one another on a deeper level. The  stories shared that night were not just personal anecdotes; they were reflections of the  universal human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, hope, and resilience. 

Beyond the compelling narratives, the event provided a platform for diverse voices and  perspectives. Two American Sign Language interpreters were provided by a sponsoring  agency, Professional Interpreting Enterprise, Inc. (PIE, Inc). PIE, Inc ensured accessibility for  deaf audience members, highlighting the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and  ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to participate fully in the storytelling experience.

The event was not just about listening to stories; it was about creating a shared experience,  fostering community, and celebrating the power of human connection. The laughter, the  tears, and the moments of profound silence that touched the evening were a testament to  the transformative power of storytelling. 

As the final story concluded, a profound sense of excitement filled the air. When Katelyn Nye  was announced as the winner and “royally crowned”, a roar of applause erupted from the  audience. The announcement also came with an exciting bonus: Katelyn will be performing  at the season’s culminating ALL STARS storytelling event! Ex Fabula’s “Missed Connections” StorySlam was a resounding success, reminding us that even in our most disconnected  moments, we are all connected by the shared human experience. 

If these stories resonate with you, imagine the impact you can have by sharing your own.  Join Ex Fabula at the next StorySlam and discover the power of your voice. You might be  surprised at the connections you make and the stories you uncover.