ODYSSEY STORYTELLING
Southern Arizona’s longest-running live storytelling event
“THE BEST AUDIENCE IN TOWN”
22 years of building community one story at a time
Our Next Show:
Trans- Thursday, July 9
Trans[hyphen]: The “trans” prefix implies going across, over or through to the other side or beyond. Transform. Transcend. Transgress. Transact. Transmit. Transport. Transplant. Transition. Our storytellers take us along their journeys on how they got from there to here.
TIME: DOORS AT 6:30, SHOW AT 7
WHERE: UNION KIVA, UA STUDENT UNION (GROUND FLOOR)
COST: $6 SCHOOL OR MILITARY AFFILIATION; $10 GENERAL
Our July 2026 Storytellers
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Matt Peterson
is the pen name for Cisco Gonzalez, an American author who writes fictional stories with a comedic twist. He currently resides in Tucson with his wife, her feline enforcers, and Cimarron, the best dog in the world.
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Claire Rogers
and her husband, Bob, have ridden self-supported long distance bike tours in North America, South America, Oceania, Asia and Europe. They've also crewed four months on a catamaran in the South Pacific. One of their favorite things in recent years has been to find unconventional volunteer gigs.
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Cerulean Faolan
commits themself to learning more about the world around them and their own self-expression, holding a strong belief that the ultimate goal of life is peace, love, and connection. They are frequently found surrounded by plants and friendly animals while they create or consume stories shared across the community.
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Art DeFilippo
taught in schools in North America, South America and Asia. He’s worked with students from teaching in a one-room school on Mount Lemmon to 35 years as a principal in Tucson and Seoul, South Korea. A proud dad of three sons, he lives with his wife in Tucson.
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Heather Wuelpern
Previously a muralist, Heather now turns everyday curiosity into mixed-media art with a touch of whimsy and humor. She works in advertising, freelances as a writer, and is often traveling or planning her next adventure. She’s happiest when there’s somewhere new on the horizon to explore and gather inspiration.
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Peter Axelrod
After practicing family law in Tucson for five decades specializing in divorce mediation and Collaborative Divorce, Peter Axelrod retired in April 2025. He immediately turned to a long-time interest, writing personal stories with an eye toward telling them on stage. This is Peter’s second time on the Odyssey stage.
Join Our Upcoming Storytelling Events
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Manipulation
June 4, 2026 7-9 p.m.
U of A Student Union - Union Kiva
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Trans -
July 9, 2026
U of A Student Union - Union Kiva
“These events are so fun! And you will be inspired.”
- Susan W.S.
“Last night, storytelling opened something inside of me. I was moved enough by others bravely sharing to tell my family’s fully charged immigration story publicly, as well.”
-Cecilia A.
“Odyssey Storytelling was a great experience for me … the laughter. The shared community building, and an overall great monthly experience.”
-Barbara E.
“Real people, with a little coaching, make their real stories sparkle and shine.”
-Linda R.