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MicroMemphis: Cooper-Young
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HYPERLOCAL NEWS HUB BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM

Memphis Stories at the Heart of Cooper-Young Theater 
Vivian Haynes/MicroMemphis reporter

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October 28,2011


In Memphis Matters no two performances are the same, the script is generated from the audience, and the stories are all real.

Memphis Matters is an open invitation from the company at Playback Memphis, an improvisational performance group based out of Cooper Young. At Playback Memphis, audience members tell stories from their lives, then watch as actors and musicians bring them to life, on the spot, without script, score, or rehearsal. The concept for Memphis Matters is the same, except the stories will be specifically about life and work in Memphis.



"It was born out of this idea that Memphis is a really intense place to live no matter your race, faith, background, or socio-economic status," said Virginia Murphy, Playback Memphis' Managing Director.


"We believe that gathering together and giving voice to all of the experiences of living and working in Memphis would help to collectively lift our civic spirits."

Murphy said not only do they want to use Memphis Matters as a tool to build and strengthen the community, but they would also like to see it become part of the core of Memphis.

"I want [Playback Memphis] to become a valued cultural tradition in Memphis. Think barbecue, blues, beer, and Playback," said Murphy. "It would be a huge asset to the city."

To do this Playback works with non-profit organizations to bring the Playback experience to communities and organizations in need. All proceeds from the show will go to non-profit partners.

"It's a wonderful thing to see your story honored in this way and to come to life.  It's kind of magical," said Murphy.

Look for future Playback shows by liking their Facebook Page.
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Missed out...watch the video for clips from the show.

Related Links

Memphis Matters, Playback Memphis
 
Playback Memphis Matters, Liz Phillips

Playback Memphis taps into city's narrative, Memphis Daily News

Playback Memphis: Memphis Matter, Go Memphis

Vivian Haynes / MicroMemphis Reporter

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Vivian covers performing arts for MicroMemphis.
Send her story ideas here. 
Follow Vivian @vstride21 on Twitter.

posted May 2, 2014