Storytellers: Roped Into Seduction

By Randy Osborne

Shannon McNeal’s peculiar, sometimes dark, and regularly hilarious Alabama family provides plenty of grist for the popular storyteller’s mill. At a recent Carapace storytelling event, the Decatur resident McNeal told the story of Liza and how Liza dealt with her stalker, John, in a town where “we don’t call the law.”

The mildly disturbing but laugh-filled tale is typical of McNeal’s repertoire. She has treated audiences with yarns about the “devil’s box” _ television that was prohibited in her religious household _ about the coffee table that served as a much-abused (thrown out the front door!) metaphor for one couple’s contentious marriage, and about the “torch for the Lord” once lit by her brother, with disastrous results for Shannon.  Think “Southern Gothic” with a heavy dose of humor, and you’ll think Shannon McNeal.

McNeal recently took part in the True Story! Reading Series in Decatur, often performs at events sponsored by the Southern Order of Storytellers, and directed SOS' Tellabration event on Saturday at The Carter Center. McNeal, who has created a one-woman show as well, also conducts informal storytelling workshops on the Decatur square, not far from the courthouse. Though her down-home demeanor is unlikely to give this fact away, McNeal is a lawyer.

The story of Liza and John was bestowed upon appreciative listeners in Manuel’s Tavern during Carapace, a monthly event featuring true personal stories told on a theme without notes. The event is held every fourth Tuesday and allows ordinary people to throw their names in a hat at the start of the show. Visitors are welcome to just listen.

“Enough” is the next theme at Tuesday’s Carapace, which starts at 7:30 p.m. You can find more information at Carapace’s Facebook page. For more information about Shannon, go here: www.shannonmcneal.com

Osborne is the director and co-founder of Carapace.