Evento

Old School/New School, Featuring Emily and Onam Lansana

Storytelling has recently become a phenomenon in Chicago, with dozens of shows happening monthly in bars, theaters, and book stores. However, the city is also home to legendary tellers who have shaped the national scene through decades of working at their craft.

With Old School/New School, we bring these generations together to explore their common ground through a unique, one-night only duet of life experience and interconnected personal stories.

In April, it's a family affair. We are thrilled to present mother and son duo Emily and Onam Lansana.

Emily Hooper Lansana is a 20 year veteran of professional storytelling, one half of the nationally touring duo In The Spirit, and a longtime member of ASE, the Chicago Association of Black Storytellers.

Onam Lansana is Emily's 16 year-old son, an ASE storyteller since age 6, and a 2016 Louder Than A Bomb poetry slam champion with his team Rebirth Poetry Ensemble.

Doors open at 7pm, with an 8pm start time. Show runs approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. Seating is general admission. Full bar is open all evening, and dining is available before and after the performance.

Presented by the producer of This Much Is True, Story Lab Chicago, and Do Not Submit.

All sales final.

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Emily Hooper Lansana is a 20+ year veteran storyteller who is a longtime member of ASE, the Black Storytellers Association in Chicago, has performed at The National Association of Black Storytellers Conference, and, as one half of the duo In The Spirit, has engaged audiences at museums, festivals, schools, hospitals, and community centers nationwide through performance and workshops. She is also a member of Classic Black, an ensemble of jazz musicians and storytellers out of Chicago.

Onam Lansana 16. He is an active member of ASE's youth group. Onam was the first youth teller to be a fully featured performer at NABS. He is also a member of Rebirth Poetry Ensemble, winner of the 2016 Louder Than a Bomb team slam, and in the top 16 at Brave New Voices in 2014. He has performed all over Chicago including at the Goodman Theatre and with the Civic Orchestra.