Down East Speaks 2025

ISLE Theater Company will present their popular storytelling event Down East Speaks at the Reach Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 9, at 7:00PM ET. Directed by Alicia Anstead and Marvin Merritt IV, Down East Speaks brings together community members from towns across Maine to share personal, true stories connected by a common theme. The event fosters empathy by illuminating the diverse experiences of Maine’s communities. In 2025, the featured storytellers include fisheries activist Bailey Bowden of Penobscot; aerospace engineer Lisa DePasqual of Brooklin; night nurse Alison Eaton of Stonington; homesteader Abby Hafey of Isle au Haut; and visual artist Robert Shetterly of Brooksville, best known for his portrait series Americans Who Tell the Truth. Each storyteller will share a personal, true story inspired by the theme “Astonished.” Following the stories, the evening will continue with a town hall-style conversation between the storytellers and the audience. A reception with light refreshments will conclude the evening.