ABOUT THE PROJECT

The breakdown of thoughtful discourse between urban and rural communities has had a devastating effect across the United States. The Democracy Cycle gathers seemingly-disparate individuals from three Colorado communities–Denver, Boulder, and Gunnison–for facilitated story circles, each exploring the same questions but yielding distinct results.

The content of the story circles will serve as inspiration for three playwrights, one from each community and representing a home theater (Boulder: Local Theater Company, Denver: Curious Theatre Company, Gunnison: Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival), as they craft short (20-30 minute) plays. The three plays will be assembled to create an evening of theater presented in summer 2024. The assembled work will be presented in each community, accompanied by a community engagement event. The ability of each community to observe the synthesized content and participate in a discussion will increase compassion and understanding around what separates, and what brings us together.

IN THE NEWS

JOIN A
STORY CIRCLE!

Do you believe that communities can conduct civil dialogue on topics related to democracy? We do! If you do as well, join a Democracy Cycle Story Circle in your respective community. There’ll be food, enlightening dialogue, and the chance to connect with your neighbors.

Read the Story Circle FAQ.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Boulder Story Circles (hosted by Local Theater Company)
Circle 1 Date: Thurs, Jan 18, 2024, 6-9 pm
Circle 1 Location: Dairy Arts Center, Vandeveer Workshop
Circle 2 Date: Sat, Jan 20, 11 am - 2 pm
Where: Boulder Public Library Main Branch (1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO)

Denver Story Circles (hosted by Curious Theatre Company)
Circles 1 & 2 Dates: Mon, Jan 29, 2024, 6-9 pm & Sat, Feb 3, 2024, 11 am - 3 pm
Circles 1 & 2 Location: Curious Theatre Company (1080 Acoma Street, Denver, CO)

Gunnison Story Circles (hosted by Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival)
Circles 1 & 2 Dates: Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 1-4 pm & Sun, Jan 14, 1:30-4:30 pm
Where: Gunnison Public Library
Circle 3 Date: Tuesday, January 16th, 12:30-2:00 pm
Where: The University Center, North Conference room on WCU’s campus

If you live or work in Boulder, Denver, or Gunnison and wish to participate in a story circle, RSVP below.

We the People: The Democracy Cycle is generously sponsored by the Arts in Society grant.