First Person Fest features Mark Bowden, Ben Yagoda, Rachel Simon, A. J. Jacobs, Rita Mae Brown, more

November 2, 3:02 PMPhiladelphia Literary Scene ExaminerKathye Petrie

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First Person is the only festival in the world for memoir and documentary art.

The 8th Annual First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art takes place over six days this week,  starting tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3 and running through Sunday, November 8.

Philadelphia's First Person Festival is the only festival in the world for memoir and documentary art. In an interview in The Philly Creative Guide in 2007, Philadelphia writer Ruth Weisberg  asked First person founder Vicki Solot  "What is it about Philadelphia that makes our city so ripe for a storytelling festival such as this one? Solot said:

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Philadelphia is a city that is more intimate than other places. It's a stoop city, a front porch city with an active and vibrant street life. It's positively brimming and ripe for so many life stories. Philadelphia is a physical crucible for intimate exchange."

Among the many highlights of  events taking place at the 2009 First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art are:

• A discussion of narrative journalism with internationally best-selling Philadelphia author Mark Bowden;
• A discussion on writing memoir with acclaimed Philadelphia authors Ben Yagoda and Rachel Simon along with best-selling author A. J. Jacobs and graphic-memoir author Laurie Sandell;
• A memoir-writing workshop with Philadelphia author August Tarrier and others
• A discussion of the role animals play in our lives by nationally known “Sneaky Pie” author Rita Mae Brown, who has just penned a memoir called Animal Magnetism.
• A concert, presentation, Q&A, book signing and CD signing with Sara Lee Guthrie, granddaughter of Woody Guthrie.

Most events take place at the Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA. The festival includes an opening-night "Speakeasy" reception, where the atmosphere of the 1930s is recreated and you can mingle with First Person artists and staff.  The reception is $20 for non-members and free to members, who will also have access to the Speakeasy throughout the festival days. You can learn how to become a First Person member, see the full calendar of festival events and buy tickets for them by going to the First Person website.

 

For more info: www.firstpersonarts.org