PREVIEW
Frank Warren
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Arden Theatre
5 St. Anne Street
Tickets; $45. Call 780-459-1542 or at http://www.ticketmaster.ca
When is a secret a secret? By its very nature the word “secret” conjures up images of mystery and intrigue – two words that instantly pique our curiosity.
Frank Warren is probably the one man on Earth privy to more secrets than CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service).
That’s because he received more than one million anonymous, previously undisclosed bits of private information written on post cards since he founded PostSecret in 2005.
“They can be shocking, or silly or soulful,” Warren said.
People from around the world trust him and send anonymous secrets ranging from disclosures of sex, criminal activity, religion, common desires, embarrassing habits, job hopes and romantic dreams.
“The most common one is “I pee in the shower,” laughs Warren who is booked on a multi-media speaking engagement at the Arden Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 3.
Some of the stories behind the secrets are inspiring. Others are funny or poignant. Prior to the event, visitors can fill out cards with secrets that Warren will share with the audience.
“The evening is really a celebration of secrets, heart-warming stories that make us human.”
Warren had volunteered at HOPE Line, a suicide prevention centre for years and realized people needed a “compassionate place to share their stories.” PostSecret became another avenue where people could build a rapport with others.
He goes on to say that individuals with secrets often feel alone or carry a burden, but don’t reveal it for fear of being judged.
In an era where talk therapy is giving way to pharmaceuticals, he encourages individuals to share their secrets as a cathartic experience.
“By telling secrets we invite others to tell secrets, and it becomes a cascade of vulnerability and courage. Secrets are the currency to intimacy and that opens the gate to share secrets.”
Below are examples of revelations Warren has received.
- I surprised myself by becoming the “man” I dreamed I would marry.
- I think my mom worries more about me being gay and agnostic more than God does.
- In 2nd grade, my teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said, “exotic dancer” because we were studying the rainforest and I was taking ballet.
- I tried to stay home from school and insisted I had a stomach ache. My mother took me to the hospital and the next day doctors took my appendix out.
- I often wonder if I’ve ever been caught in an obesity segment.
- I once let a drug dealer count his cash in my hotel room. I took a picture of it. I wonder how he spent it?
- Whenever your cat licks my hand I get turned on a bit.
- Getting mugged in Nicaragua has made me obsessed with Latino culture.
- I saw the mother of a student at my daughter’s expensive private school going into a hotel with a man that is not her husband. Keeping quiet about it is absolutely killing me.
- He doesn’t know that I know he sees hookers. It’s the reason I never told him that I miscarried his baby.
- Every time I see man in a kilt, I want to flip it up to see if he is wearing underwear.
- I thought about joining the Peace Corp, but halfway through the application I realized I was too high maintenance to live in a 3rd world country.
- I was in contact with my husband’s favourite hooker to find out what he wants. I found out they love each other.
- The best part of my job is seeing your child’s face as they meet their “best friend.” Don’t ruin it by rushing them with a pic. Hearing them talk is the best part.
