Listen. Listen and really hear colleagues and students share their stories of belonging and becoming. When we listen, we discover how we are all connected and intertwined in spite of our differences.
Intertwined, the University of Oregon’s live and free storytelling event is celebrating its tenth anniversary with two performances May 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ford Alumni Center Giustina Ballroom.
“I love this event because it is so rare that we get to come together across our designated roles to be witnessed by one another. The storytellers get to turn stories from their lives into works of art to share with their community,” said Abigail Leeder, Intertwined founder and creative director, and manager of experiential learning in the Division of Equity and Inclusion.
The program was started to build community on campus. Up to 12 storytellers — students, faculty and staff — are selected to tell personal stories around a selected theme, this year’s being Roots: Belonging and Becoming.
“Being part of Intertwined has given me a community at UO beyond my own department. It’s been an honor to share my story and support others’ storytelling — it’s a vulnerable process, but it binds us together,” said Jen Doty from the College of Education.
Storytellers and story coaches are volunteers from across the university; many of the coaches have been prior storytellers. They meet weekly for six weeks to help develop the story. A strong and supportive cohort is formed through the process.
“I have attended Intertwined a number of times and I aspire to be a storyteller one day. When I describe it to people, I say it’s like UO’s own Moth Radio Hour,” said Julia Cohalan from the Office of the General Counsel. “Every time I go, I am moved by hearing the personal stories of people in our community and inspired by their vulnerability and bravery in sharing those stories. It is a truly humanizing and uplifting event.”
Stories range from difficult life experiences to lighthearted moments of a pet or an important trip they took. They are often deeply personal but also speak to the universal human experience. Each reader is accompanied by a musician who creates bespoke live-score piece for each story.
Nedzer Erilus from University Housing recounts his 2024 presentation. “The most profound connection of that evening was not found in the public acclaim, but in the heavy, resonant silence of a community choosing to witness the visceral reality of a sickness for which there is no easy cure,” he said. “To celebrate ten years of Intertwined honors the courage of those who refuse to let their truths be erased, choosing instead the radical freedom of being seen in all their complex, unconditioned existentialism. For me, ten years whittles down to three words: tell the story.”
There is no cost or RSVP required to experience Intertwined. All are invited to enjoy free concessions at this multi-sensory experience.
Storytellers perform the same story two nights in a row so choose the day that works for you and hear stories that remind us we are all connected, if we only listen.
Watch videos from the 2025 storytellers on the theme Crossroads.
—Jennifer Archer, University Communications