Auntie Tales: Ghost Stories Across the Generations

esea contemporary is pleased to present 'Auntie Tales: Ghost Stories Across the Generations', an engaging and playful workshop led by theatre-maker and artist Trà Nguyễn. Part of our esea ArtClub programme, the event invites Manchester locals to explore how kinship and storytelling intersect on stage, centring on the figure of ‘the auntie’ — whether you are one yourself, or simply have an auntie in your life.

Participants will begin by sharing ‘horror stories’: uncanny or unsettling tales featuring female figures, passed down through families or lived first-hand. Together, the group will reflect on what these stories reveal about relationships, culture, and the roles women play in our imaginations.

From there, Nguyễn will guide participants through a creative writing exercise, using prompts drawn from the shared tales. No theatre experience is necessary — only curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to exchange stories! As the session unfolds, these individual contributions will form a collective tapestry of kinship and folklore, illustrating how everyday narratives can transform into shared performance.

Join us for an afternoon of storytelling, laughter, and creativity, where aunties take centre stage and familiar figures become doorways to the unexpected.

Booking is required – reserve your spot and bring a story to tell!

About esea contemporary

esea contemporary is the UK’s only non-profit art centre specialising in presenting and platforming artists and art practices that identify with and are informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural backgrounds.

esea contemporary is situated in an award-winning building in the heart of Manchester, home to one of the largest East Asian populations in the UK. Since its inauguration as a community-oriented visual arts festival in 1986, esea contemporary – previously named Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art – has continuously evolved to establish itself as a dynamic and engaging space for cross-cultural exchanges in the British art scene, as well as in a global context.

esea contemporary aims to increase the visibility of contemporary art practices from the East and Southeast Asian communities and their diasporas. It is a site for forward-thinking art programmes that beyond exhibitions also include commissions, research, residencies, publishing, and a wide range of vibrant public events. esea contemporary values creativity, compassion, interconnectedness, and collectivity in implementing its mission.

Photo by Joe Smith.

Host or Publisher esea contemporary