Commonspace LIVE is tackling gentrification, masculinity and ‘battle scars’

Commonspace, the new series from First Person Arts and WHYY, has focused on telling the personal stories dealing with today’s news topics.

It has so far dove into stories about being a Black man, immigration, mental health and most recently, what it takes to be a teacher.

As promised when the series was launched this past February, the project is set to debut its first live event series with Commonspace LIVE, being held from May 22 to 26.

Five different events will take place at FringeArts, one for each day, and each event — being recorded live for future Commonspace episodes — will focus on topics including gentrification, masculinity, stereotyping and the “battle scars” that can range from physical to emotional pain. But don’t think that the traditional stand-up storytelling will be the only way these stories will be told: Magic and puppetry are also lined up for the week.

Check out the full schedule, and buy tickets, here.

“It’s easy to feel bombarded by news headlines,” said Jamie J. Brunson, executive director of First Person Arts and host of Commonspace, in a statement. “Our vision is that through Commonspace LIVE, we’ll build bridges, and better understand ourselves, each other, and this crazy, beautiful world we all share together.”