The Artist’s Laboratory Theatre, with the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture and organizations across the country, will host a People’s State of the Union Story Circle on Jan. 26. This participatory, community-centric event invites guests to join story circles and share their own take on the state of the union, guided by facilitated prompts.

Every January, the President of the United States delivers a State of the Union address to highlight important issues from the past year and suggest priorities for the coming year.  Understanding the state of our union takes We the People reflecting in our own communities on our challenges and opportunities locally, nationally, and globally, according to a press release.

The People’s State of the Union is an invitation to host a national conversation in our own homes, schools, houses of worship, and community organizations, according to a press release. Between January 25 and February 3, individuals and organizations across the U.S. will sign up to host Story Circles.

Select stories will be uploaded to the US Department of Arts and Culture’s (USDAC) Story Portal for possible inclusion in their Poetic Address to the Nation. Since 2015, the USDAC has hosted the People’s State of the Union as an invitation to build bonds of empathy and connection by coming together in our own homes, schools, houses of worship, and community organizations. Thousands of people in more than 500 communities have participated, according to a press release.

Doors open at 6 p.m. or a social hour, and the story circle lasts from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event has a suggested donation of $5-10 and will be held at 1030 South College Ave.

About Artist’s Laboratory Theatre: The Artist’s Laboratory Theatre is a community-based, site-specific theatre company based in Fayetteville. The collective stages original, handcrafted performances in surprising places that include audiences in unique ways. From collaborating with community groups in the writing process to engaging through interactive experiences during a live immersive performance, Artist’s Lab strives to expand its audience’s role in live theatre.

About U.S. Department of Arts and Culture: The U.S. Department of Arts and Culture (USDAC) is not an official government agency. It is a people-powered movement dedicated to cultivating empathy, equity, and social imagination. For more information visit usdac.us/psotu.