CAZIMI

A simple two-seater sofa sits quietly waiting at The Beacon on West Hill – the blankets on it are ready to catch words in their knit, its fabric prepared to bounce the sounds of laughter, the cushioning primed for the ebbs and flows of human emotions. The atmosphere hums with anticipation, a subtle sense that something special is about to unfold. On 21 February, this room will fill with people – some nervous, some excited, all curious. Strangers at first, they’ll come together, drawn by the simple invitation to step into storytelling with a twist.

Upon the tables in the room are scattered objects: varied, inviting and full of potential. At the heart of the evening lies a simple idea: stories connect us. No scripts, no rehearsals, no expectations. Just a room, a group of people, and the openness to listen to, and share, memories from our own lives. The ingredients for this night are deceptively simple, yet the perfect ground for magic to be made. “I was curious about the format, and it was awesome,” said one previous attendee. “It brought a sense of profound connection to our humanness, like a methodology for peace-making and reconciliation.”

The night is an interactive experience where the everyday can transform, through the power of storytelling and deep listening. Come with curiosity; leave feeling nourished and with new-found connections.

Behind it all are four remarkable hosts, each bringing their own flame to the fire. Hastings’ Bev Lee Harling is a singer-songwriter whose one-woman show, Ploughing the Salt Sea, has captivated audiences. Belfast-born Kelly Thompson is a linguist, storyteller and editor who worked in publishing for 25 years, and now helps authors give birth to their non-fiction book ideas in her role as a book doula. Cazimi and Noé are the artist duo, Mastolf and Mastej, who are behind The Others’ Market. We four have come together and created Others’ Stories through a longing to find nights out that give space for real connection.

- Advertisement -

These evenings aren’t about being polished, perfect or even prepared. They’re about showing up as you are – open to the possibility of something unexpected and deeply human happening. So, will you dive into the unknown pools of possibility? The sofa is waiting. Bring yourself along to the first Others’ Stories event of the year, on the evening of Friday 21 February. You will be warmly welcomed…

For tickets and more info visit Eventbrite at eventbrite.co.uk/e/others-stories-tickets-1131002883069 


We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.

https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ARTSBeaconSofa-1024x768.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ARTSBeaconSofa-150x150.jpgHIPArtsCAZIMI,storytelling with a twist,The BeaconCAZIMI A simple two-seater sofa sits quietly waiting at The Beacon on West Hill – the blankets on it are ready to catch words in their knit, its fabric prepared to bounce the sounds of laughter, the cushioning primed for the ebbs and flows of human emotions. The atmosphere hums...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper