Ginger and Steve. Palm Springs, 1972.
Not to scale.

What is CONFESSIONARY?

Confessionary is a safe place to admit uncomfortable things.

Together, we confess to the mistakes we’ve made or the flaws we have or the vulnerabilities we hide – and, in doing so, lean into the common humanity of being a bit screwed up.

It’s like one of those dinner parties where it gets a bit loose and someone overshares and then feels a bit embarrassed but everybody gets it and it leads into cascading stories of similar shames.

The vibe is intimate – numbers are limited to 50 max – and tragicomic.

What happens at CONFESSIONARY

When you arrive, a twenty-year-old jazz wunderkind is playing piano. That’s Louis. Grab a beverage and meet your hosts, Ginger and Steve.

You settle in. We briefly explain the rules. Ginger breaks the ice with a confession. We’ll hear an invited confessor or two. After a brief drinks break the floor is open for fast confessions for those who feel compelled. (Rest assured, there is NO pressure.) Then Steve confesses musically – via songs so fragile they’re already broken.

It’s honest, vulnerable, heartbreaking, uncomfortable, humorous, somewhat nerve racking but above all safe. People laugh, cry and engage. And it feels good.

Come to listen or come to confess.

The main thing is to be there.

Something you’ve never told anyone before. Or, at least, that you’ve never told a group of strangers before.
Something that reveals a vulnerability. That takes an emotional risk.
It’s a real story – about you. Other people’s flaws/faults/secrets are their own to confess.
It should take no more than 5 minutes.
One more thing: Yes, we want you to be vulnerable. But we also want you to be psychologically safe. Don’t reveal more than you feel comfortable revealing.
Absolutely not. It’s totally fine just to listen.
Sorry! I haven’t written this bit yet.
Yep! Here they are:
1. Lean into it.
Making mistakes, having flaws, hurting others – they’re all by-products of being human. Listen generously.
2. But don’t feel pressured.
You don’t have to do or say anything.
3. Speak for yourself.
Don’t reveal other people’s secrets. Unless they’re dead. Or you’re dead. And don’t hassle the friend you came with to tell us that thing they told you that time.
4. Keep safe.
Vulnerability can be liberating – emotional unravelling, not so much.
If you’re confessing, don’t reveal anything you’ll regret later – we want you to walk out of here unburdened, not traumatised.
If you’re just listening, remember that there are no trigger warnings. Some confessions are full on. Take a break if you need to.
5. Don’t blab.
You are about to be honoured with privileged information. It’s not gossip; it’s a gift. Respect the speaker with your discretion.
There’s a couple of things – but I haven’t finished writing this bit either.
Check back in later!
We’ve emailed you special guidelines.
Of course!
Send us a message via the contact page.
Kind of.
Once we’re done, your hosts will repair to a local establishment.
Everyone is invited along, so if you want to join us, please do. But there’s no pressure.