How to Change the Direction of the Story Being Told

It’s knife training time in my martial arts class. I’m on the mat when Grandmaster says, “Master Kymberlee, I want you to be my partner for this demonstration.” 

Oh boy. I know what this means. Usually, demonstrations with me as his partner don’t turn out well… for me, that is.

But I can’t say no to Grandmaster, so up I go. I meet Grandmaster in front of the class, and he executes this flawless knife technique. During multiple demonstrations, no matter what I do, no matter how many counter-moves I try, it doesn’t work against him!

My turn. It’s time to try the technique on someone else in class. Except I can’t replicate what Grandmaster just did, either.

Sensing my frustration, he comes over and tells me, “Make this your own Master Kymberlee. There’s always a way.” 

Aha! So I turn the knife over, reverse my direction, and come in with a completely different series of moves. And guess what - it works!

There’s always a way. And my special guest today has used that concept to change perspectives, outcomes, and even laws. As a writer and actor, Matthew-Lee Erlbach also advocates on behalf of the Arts and those who work in them.

If you’re curious to know:

How do you help others view advocacy as on behalf of an industry instead of a cause so that it’ll get economic and legislative priority? How did the sitcom Will & Grace influence the unfolding story of gay rights (while displaying an essential storytelling element)? Why are 1922 and 2022 synonymous, and how were Arts and Culture at the forefront of the aftermath of events 100 years ago?

Then tune in as we discuss the power of influencing where the story goes and how doing so can make history!

• How personal stories of American workers have changed the country
• Why we as human beings crave stories so much
• What one thing you want to ensure you include in your story

Matthew-Lee Erlbach is an actor, writer, and labor activist from Chicago and New York. He has written for Adam McKay's Kings of America, starring Amy Adams (Netflix); Masters of Sex (Showtime); Gypsy (Netflix); We Are the Champions (Netflix), for WWE, MTV, and Nickelodeon. As a playwright, his work has appeared Off-Bway, regionally, and at Steppenwolf, where he is currently under commission, and where his play The Doppelgänger (An International Farce) premiered. 

He has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Laurents/Hatcher Foundation, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Puffin Foundation, and is a HUMANITAS New Voices recipient. Beyond his work with Habitat for Humanity and individuals who are houseless, he is a proponent of ethical AI and ethical transhumanism. A Co-Founder of Arts Workers United and their national Be An Arts Hero campaign, he has co-authored legislation, built national campaigns, and works with Congress to make Arts and Culture Workers an economic and legislative priority.