Sharing notes with the architect of local storytelling

It turns out you can’t judge storytellers by their covers either. Rachna Prasad learned that early as ringleader of a spirited local group inspired by the national storytelling movement.

This was back when she first started in 2015, when she was still hosting story sessions at her Naperville home with just a handful of women from the neighborhood. The theme was “First Days” (we all have them) and the prompt was tell a three-minute true, personal story with a full-bodied beginning, middle, and end. Well, there was a story no one saw coming.

“A small woman, seemingly quiet and reserved, let loose with a fairly wild tale,” Rachna recalled. “Apparently, she had a bit of a rebellious youth but we in the neighborhood saw her as so soft-spoken and polite that it just took us all by surprise. You just never know, and it’s the openness, honestness, and boldness of storytelling that I really love.”

Interestingly, that personality pattern has to some degree persisted in the years since Rachna founded what today is known as The People Tree. The louder or more gregarious types tend to struggle a bit inside the story framework while the more introverted seem to use their three minutes with more narrative precision. And, apparently, more climactic punch.

We chose lunch at Empire for a few precise reasons. Since Empire opened in 2016, the space has grown into a downtown centerpiece that would likely make Joe Naper proud. Upstairs, with its tiered patio and retractable roof, you celebrate the mighty outdoors. Downstairs is more of a restored dancehall cleverly and comfortably splashed with modern, industrial accents. Its mix of high and low seating bellies up and around an impressive anchor bar. Most nights the room’s vintage wooden stage is alive with music, trivia, or storytelling.

Yes, this stage is where you’ll find The People Tree. The original at-home sessions were dubbed At the Well. The group incorporated in 2016 as First Person Live before hosting their first shows as The People Tree in 2018. The organization outgrew a few previous Naperville locations before landing here at Empire, where the shows also routinely sell out.

The People Tree’s new season kicks off in September, but that doesn’t mean Rachna is any less busy than usual. After all, she‘s also a full-time marketing leader for a major healthcare company and she and her husband have three young adult kids. Rachna studied political science and pre-law.

 Always in story mode

“When it all started our children were young, so we made summer the downtime for storytelling events,” Rachna said. “But people know our upcoming themes for fall and some are working on their stories right now. We’re here to help when they need it.”

In fact, The People Tree just held an open mic night at Go Brewing in Naperville. It was a bit of showcase fun that also promoted the season ahead.

The typical process for storytellers is to first submit a story outline for review to The People Tree producers. That’s Rachna, Simi Krishnan, and Erica Katz. Once a story is selected, storytellers are invited to join group workshops to sharpen it, and then are encouraged to work one-on-one with a story mentor to prep for presentation. And now the story length is six to eight minutes.

~ ON THE MENU ~

Rachna: Sophia Loren w/Black Bean Patty

Dave: The Yardbird

By the way, we did place our order. A big fan of Empire’s tasty veggie options, Rachna goes with a Sophia Loren with Black Bean Patty and fresh mozzarella, artichoke pesto, marinated tomato, and basil, balsamic reduction on a pretzel bun. I get The Yardbird, which is fried free-range spicy buttermilk chicken with bourbon tomato jam, romaine, and dill salsa on a pretzel roll. This is popular for good reason. Most go for Empire’s gourmet burgers, specialty cocktails, and craft beer.

Rooted in community

At a downstairs table tucked next to a street-side window, we talk creative and curative evolution. These days there are more men getting up on stage than before and The People Tree events are a balanced blend of experienced and novice storytellers from around the area. Some of the seasoned pros make appearances at various storytelling shows. No matter their makeup, storytellers quickly bond and become a network of support and encouragement.

Rachna also points out the importance of audience.

“That’s the key, those people who keep coming back,” she said. “Even though most have no interest in ever getting up on stage, they are connecting with the experience. They are all in. In many ways we’re building two communities; the storytellers and the audience. And it’s been amazing.”

At times an audience member who strongly identifies with a particular story will talk with a presenter once offstage. Parallel lives, right? Rachna and her team recognize the array of dynamics. They are savvy show curators. For example, they might position a deeper story right before a scheduled break. And they often end the show with a story that strikes a lighter note. Plus, with whip-smart storyteller Matt Joes as host and emcee, each evening’s energy and pacing are right on.

“From story outline to stage, from marketing to tickets, it’s a serious operation,” Rachna said. “And it’s incredibly fun. The workshops are so interesting because often the story someone intends to tell is not the story they wind up telling,” Rachna said. “In working it out, they find what the real story is. It’s part of this creative process that, to me, ultimately becomes a powerful gift to share.”

Making every event personal

Sprout is the middle school and high school version of The People Tree. Rachna’s daughter, Janaki Amerson, is one of its storytelling leaders along with Jillian Katz and Saavi Krishnan.. Not surprisingly, they have put their own spin on the storytelling model and the group has performed in local venues that include Naper Settlement.

Rachna respects their independent streak. She still has her own. There were those at the outset who encouraged her to find a franchise angle on The People Tree approach. It’s not something she seriously considered. She knew The Moth was the big player and, when she attended a Moth event in Chicago, she was confident Naperville would respond to its own hyperlocal storytelling brand.

“I’m so glad we were ignorant back then. I think that’s what helped us create something that’s authentically our own,” she said. “Whether they’re funny or emotional or inspiring, or all the above, the stories we present are usually very personal. And our audiences are the most attentive and passionate. That’s what comes through, and that’s what makes us stand out.”

By all measures, The People Tree has been a hit by providing a platform that’s warm and welcoming. It’s not easy to stand in the spotlight and deliver. For most, they need a people tree behind them. It's Rachna, with friends, who planted the first seeds. So, how often does she spin a story of her own on stage?

Pause. We'll keep that a mystery since lunch is almost a wrap.

Instead, let's rewind and acknowledge the real catalyst moment of the group's founding. Years ago a young mom in Rachna's neighborhood died by suicide the day after Mother's Day, This tragedy stung the community, which was mostly made up of young families. Rachna was unsettled by that feeling of seeing but not really knowing people who live on your own street or just around the corner. The first gathering, at Rachna's home, was just a way to build connections.

That is the lighter note, that people have responded by sharing experiences and humor and sadness and fear and joy and personal life lessons – on stage, in front of their friends and neighbors.

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