Nominations are open for anyone who has “learned the hard way”, to tell their own ‘famous last words’ story to a live Tauranga audience.

After paying tribute to Dawn Picken last year with the theme ‘Legacy’, public storytelling event Tell Me Tauranga/ Kōrerohia Mai is changing tack this year with a new theme – ‘Famous Last Words’ –encouraging people to “fess up” to the things that have gone wrong in their lives and how they have bounced back from adversity.

Tell Me Tauranga will come alive at 16th Avenue Theatre on October 23, with true stories told by people who lived and experienced them.

“It was originally Dawn’s idea, based on a concept she saw in the USA,” says organiser Stan Gregec. “We adapted it and named it Tell Me Tauranga. Each year we pick a theme and put it out there asking for people to come forward with true stories that fit.”

Famous Last Words will showcase storytellers who are united by stories of dreams dashed, ambitions thwarted and how it helped shape their lives.

“Candid stories of where you have stumbled or gone askew in life make the best kind of story to tell, because they grab people’s attention, and everyone can relate to similar events in their own lives.”

Stan says people can nominate themselves or someone they know.

“You’ll be on stage, telling your story for seven minutes – without notes or prompts. It’s not a TED Talk or anecdote – it’s authentic, real-life engagement with a live audience.”

The first pitch/training night is at Basestation on Durham St from 5.30pm, July 31, where potential speakers will share their ideas with the team.

Stan says previous speakers such as Syed Qadri talking about reconnecting with his homeland of Pakistan, to Wiremu Mathews talking about the impact of his iwi background on his personal development are powerful examples of stories that capture significant moments and aspects of people’s lives.

“We’re now welcoming nominations, so if you have a suitable story to tell that fits the theme of ‘Famous Last Words’, come and pitch it – even if it’s only an idea.”

To be part of the event organising team, audience or a speaker, see: www.facebook.com/tellmetauranga Phone Stan 022 390 2216 or email: stan@marketdrive.co.nz