SWING STATE STORIES  
Events of Documentary Theatre, Storytelling and Dialogue

In the emotional aftermath of the 2004 presidential election, Unconditional Theatre hosted an “Election Story Swap,” where democratic swing state travelers were invited to reminisce, to eulogize, and to honor one another’s personal election stories.  One of the most compelling came from a traveler to Reno, NV who knocked on the door of a Bush supporter, was invited in for coffee, and kept up personal correspondence for months in an effort to sway her vote.  Unconditional Theatre collected these stories from newly active progressives who shared what worked, what didn’t, and what kept them going.  They have a lot to teach about talking honestly and convincingly to people with differing political views.

"An old man opened the door and glared at my Kerry button. 
He erupted with curses, jabbing his finger at my nose. 
I said, 'God bless you, sir.'
He stopped and looked at me, then closed the door."
-- A Bay Area election volunteer who canvassed in Nevada

Swing State Stories is presented as a dramatic reading by local actors.   During the event, we invite audiences to share their own stories of political involvement, and facilitate role-playing exercises that offer practice in talking across difference.



Interested in Hosting a 'Swing State Stories' Event?

Unconditional Theatre can work with you to craft a unique event based around our performance, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes.  If you have members who might want to read roles in the play, a script can be provided to them in advance and we’ll lead them through a few hours of rehearsal on the day of the performance.  This can be a fun way to involve members of your group and to attract additional audiences to the event.