By: The Dirt
After ten great seasons of local storytelling at the Pence Gallery, Stories on Stage Davis is taking the show to Sudwerk Brewing Co.
Stories on Stage Davis is a unique home for literature in Davis and Yolo County, putting the work of short fiction writers and actors on stage in a theater-like experience. As the group has grown, so too has its following. Simply put: they needed more space for the crowd.
“We decided to move to Sudwerk because we simply needed more space for our audience,” Season 11 director Maya Sinha told The Dirt. “To quote Paul Newman on his salad dressing bottle, we were the victims of our own excellence. We’re excited about the move to Sudwerk, a fun and vibrant space for community events, and we hope to see many new faces this year.”
Sinha is the author of the 2022 novel and Catholic Media Book Award winner, The City Mother. She also wrote the humor column “Lowbrow” for the Davis Enterprise several years ago. Now she’s heralding this big change at Stories on Stage—one she hopes strengthens our community bond.
“After the pandemic years, people are hungry for in-person socializing and a sense of connection to their community. This includes live performances, which you can’t replicate on a screen,” she said. “Davis is a town of readers and writers, and we love a good story. When talented actors bring these stories to life, the effect is memorable and a bit magical.”
Opening night is set for Sept. 8 and features the work of authors Reyna Grande and Eva Rayala.
Grande was born in Mexico and grew up in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a BA and MFA in creative writing. Her best-selling memoirs, The Distance Between Us and A Dream Called Home, chronicle her experiences before and after immigrating and her journey as a first-generation college student. Her works of fiction include the novels Across a Hundred Mountains, Dancing with Butterflies, and A Ballad of Love and Glory. Her work will be read by local actor, director, writer, and visual artist Kellie Raines.
Rayala is a junior at Da VinciVinvi Charter School. She’s an aspiring author, drawing inspiration from her love of fantasy and fairytale books. For the past four years, she has been writing her own novel. Ángel Rodríguez will read Eva RayalaAyala’s piece, “The Girl with Three Souls.” Rodríguez is an actor and director in the Sacramento area.
Before you click away, Sinha might suggest you pull out your calendar app and Stories on Stage.
“It only happens once a month,” she said. “Netflix can wait.”
Stories on Stage Davis happens the second Sunday of the month from September to May. All events are free, no tickets or registration required. Donations are accepted at the door.
Sudwerk Brewing Co. is located at 2001 2nd Street, Davis. Events begin at 5p; the restaurant will be open for pre-event dining all afternoon.
