First Things First

1st Person Festival


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Published: Nov 5, 2008

Yes, everyone has a story. But it seems like — and maybe we're just biased — every Philadelphian has a few. That they tell really loud. At fabulously inappropriate times.

First Person Arts knows this better than anyone else. For the past eight years, they've been coaxing out our city's rants, raves, tear-jerkers and oh-no-she-didn'ts at salons, StorySlams and workshops. Their seventh annual First Person Festival offers a nice intro for the first-timer, or a best-of for the loyal L'Etage-goer.

We've previewed a few of the screenings, readings, performances, tours and exhibits here, and have a handy round-up of all the others.

Some, such as the Complaint Choir, are so perfectly, completely and beautifully Philly, it feels wrong to enjoy them. Others help us take a second look at the city we thought we knew so well. And then there are those that make us a little ashamed — World Series title or no World Series title — to call this place home.

Of course, some are simply about wrestling giant catfish in Oklahoma creeks. And that, somehow, feels pretty Philly.