On May 13, Story Choreography Projects will debut "Our Friends: Liking, Laughter, Longings and Loss," a movement theater presentation directed by Barrie Barton. Described by Barton as “authentic theater,” the performance interweaves personal story, movement, and multimedia, creating a montage of human experiences that are both personal and universal. Slated to be performed at Jubilee! Community, Our Friends reveals the multitude of friendship dynamics and life lessons that anchor us in sacrifice and love. The live performance is an invitation for audience members to revisit their own life stories surrounding the subject of friendship. “My hope is that theatergoers will walk away with a fresh perspective on their friendships and feel nourished by seeing these human relationships actually come to life,” says Barton. “Our friendships vary; from lifetime relationships, to acquaintances we may see only occasionally. Friends are witnesses to our lives and they inform who we are at a core level, also how we cooperate and love, and how to say I’m sorry or good-bye,” she adds. Like all Story Choreography Projects, Our Friends is created through a nine-week workshop where 15 men and women work together as Barton guides them in movement exploration, writing and conversation as they weave the final performance together. Barton explains, “The Story Choreography Project’s creative process is to harness stories that have never been shared and transform them into spoken, seen and expressed actions.” Proceeds from the shows will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina. $3 from every ticket sale will benefit the charity’s mission to match children with adult mentors that provide them with a role model, a friend, and access to new experiences through which they build higher aspirations for their lives. Over the past thirty-five years, BBBS of WNC has served over 14,000 children and believe that in each one there is a special spark that can lead them to become positive, productive citizens of our community and the world. Our Friends, Liking, Laughter, Longing and Loss will premiere Sunday, May 13 at Jubilee! Community at 4:00 pm. A second performance will take place at 6:15 pm. Tickets for both shows are available at EventBrite and at the door for $16. For more information, please contact Barrie Barton at barrie@standanddeliverasheville.com. To order tickets, go here. About Story Choreography Projects Story Choreography Projects, led by Artistic Director Barrie Barton, is an open-call, performance theater company that creates collaborative, community-based performances. Learn more here. About Barrie Barton Barton has served as Artistic Director of Story Choreography Projects since its inception in 2005 under the umbrella of Stand and Deliver Asheville, a presentation and communication skills coaching firm for corporate professionals and entrepreneurs—also founded by Barton. She has 30 years of experience teaching, dancing, directing, and choreographing work with the main goal of deepening relationships through creative conversations and storytelling for both cast participants and audience members.