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‘Shenzhen Stories’ fosters community in SZ

Writer: Nan Nan  | Editor: Jane Chen  | From:  | Updated: 2017-08-14

Trey Hobbs

Email of the writer: there_sun@163.com

Trey Hobbs is a voice actor that dubs the Chinese kids show, “Boonie Bears,” into English. He started the event “Shenzhen Stories” with Siobhan Lumsden in December 2016, so people could relate with each other by listening to stories told live, truthfully and honestly.

Hobbs said he started “Shenzhen Stories” as a way to foster community, discovering that stories are a good way to find something that everyone has in common.

The first event was held at a small cafe in Nanshan District and about 25 people showed up, said Hobbs. “People had a really good response to the event,” so it has been held six times, and the next event will be held Aug. 25.

The two-hour event is held once a month with about 40 to 50 people attending. Five or six storytellers share 10-minute stories and the audience is encouraged to interact by writing their responses to questions anonymously on cards. Then the host will read some answers from the cards, which is a fun way to let everyone share a little bit, according to Trey.

When asked how he finds stories to fit his themes every month, Hobbs says, “people like honesty more than good performances and exciting details,” adding that people who are nervous and claim they are not good at telling stories always engage the audience in this really truthful way.

Hobbs mentioned one memorable story from the first event. “A guy told a story about having to get to know his mother over again after a pretty traumatic accident,” said Hobbs. “Everyone thinks they know their family, but what if you suddenly had to get to know them again?”

“Shenzhen is an international city where normally people come not knowing anyone. This event provides a platform for people to make friends.”

Hobbs is thankful for people who are willing to honestly share their stories. And a lot of people donate their time and skills for free. For example, graphic designer Courtney Rardin designs all the posters and stickers. Besides, “the supportive and welcoming audiences, who receive these stories with respect, are the people who make Shenzhen Story excellent.”

As more and more events are held, Hobbs hopes to have more Chinese people share their stories. “It’s important to have that cultural exchange,” said Trey, but the problem is that they haven’t found a way to translate effectively as translation seems slow, and will miss some parts of the story. They are continuing to find the best way to address this.

If you are interested in “Shenzhen Stories”, you can write to shenzhenstories@gmail.com or connect them on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook @shenzhenstories.