Tales of activism, motherhood, migration, sex, love, and perseverance… for one night only
Viral Stories will be an engaging evening of storytelling delivered by people living with HIV. For one night, this Saturday, 29 July, six local storytellers will be sharing personal stories of activism, motherhood, migration, sex, love, and perseverance. Hosted by storyteller Gary Paramanathan, this will be a night of vulnerability, joy, laughter and resilience.
We spoke with the host of the event, Gary, along with one of the guest storytellers, Rodrigo, to tell us more.
Gary please tell us a little bit about yourself
I work at the intersection of arts, culture and community. Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Australia, my arts practice predominantly focuses on storytelling and writing. I’ve written and directed a number of short films, including for ABC iView. I’ve also written feature essays and recounted personal narratives, including for The Guardian. I also run a live storytelling night focusing on PoC stories, called Them Heavy People. My current focus is on writing and performing short works of autobiography and fiction. I was shortlisted for the Deborah Cass Prize in 2021, won a Writing NSW mentorship and published in a Sweatshop anthology. I have also developed and presented work for Griffin Theatre, CAAP, Performance Space and Queer Stories, along with written critique and content to bring processes and genuine representation in storytelling. I’m passionate about migrant and diaspora storytelling and I hope to add to the rich tapestry of diverse Australian storytelling through my work.
(Host, Gary Paramanathan)
Gary you will be hosting the event. Can you tell us what audiences can expect from the night?
The storytellers for this evening are not your traditional storytellers, i.e. they are not writers, actors, ‘creative types’, they are regular people who happen to be HIV Positive. So what you can expect is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who often doesn’t get to publicly speak about their life experiences. We didn’t want to focus on their HIV status or getting HIV as the story, so what you get is also an insight into their much more complex experience of being a human being in the here and now, with the context of HIV in the background.
Rodrigo please tell us a little bit about yourself
Australia has been home for almost half my life. I’ve always lived in Melbourne , but I’ve travelled a bit on the East Coast. I’m an avid runner and amateur triathlete – I feel so proud of me when i say that! I’m also a serial (re)watcher of Schitt’s Creek , One Day at a Time and Hannibal.
Gary why is storytelling such an important forum for communities such as ours and why should people come along to hear these stories?
For me these stories are a way of removing stigma or stereotypical understandings of people living with HIV, it is also an opportunity for people living with HIV to have a yarn, to speak about what matters to them and ultimately tell a good story, which is a very human need. We are living in a sort of renaissance for people of all walks of life to be able to share their experiences of consciousness. Hearing these stories is a way to find connection, catharsis and meaning in the chaos that is life.
Rodrigo you will be one of the storytellers on the night. Please give us a little hint about what you will be sharing with the audience.
Oh Gee… that’s the million dollar question ( for me ). What will MY story be about? It’s a hard one, I will admit. What the lockdown/pandemic gave me, besides my passion for running and my lazy interest in plants, was the chance to address the issues ( thanks Kim ). Right now, I can finally feel a snippet of clarity about the ‘self’ that I am. In summary, the story will be my first attempt to be public about myself and tell a story of honest humanity. Gee, that’s frightening hahaha – and I hope not too wanky!
(Storyteller, Rodrigo)
Rodrigo what has the process of working with Gary to develop your story and preparing to share it on the night been like for you?
Gary has been divine, ever so patient and a gentle mentor – St Gary , Patron of The Divine Patience – that shows my Roman- Catholic upbringing! What I treasure the most is what Gary said in our first virtual work, “nothing is either wrong nor right. It’s your story and it’s about your humanity. The experience has been freeing – powerfully & gently. It has taught me to be courageous and real, which is the best lesson to overcome mischievous self-doubt. I’m the worst with deadlines and Gary has been with me encouraging me through emails, phone calls and audio messages. And you gotta love a mentor who can unforgivingly edit your drafts as well.
Australia’s first ever storytelling night for people living with HIV will challenge everything you thought you knew about living with HIV. Register for your free ticket using the link below then all you need to do is sit back and take it all in.