NASHUA — Area immigrants and refugees will recount their lived experiences while navigating the complexities of immigration issues later this month during a performance series called Suitcase Stories.

Six people from six countries will share their experiences. This may include a story about someone fleeing a war-stricken country, or a more humorous memory highlighting cultural misunderstandings. These storytellers come from all over the world, including places such as Colombia, Israel, Mexico, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala and Myanmar. Whether courageous or comedic, these storytellers include people from southern New Hampshire and the Merrimack Valley.

“The goal, like all good storytelling, is to find connections we have with one another, regardless of where we were born,” Suitcase Stories Director Cheryl Hamilton said.

The series launched in 2017, but the initiative has expanded to also include schools and businesses, with more than 30 programs. It is organized by the International Institute of New England.

Some participants have a background in storytelling, while others go on stage having never told their stories. Themes relating to family, love and perseverance transcend nationality, while demonstrating how everyone is connected with similar life experiences.

Hamilton said audiences have repeatedly said they leave with a greater appreciation for people working in the communities they call home.

Moreover, Nashua is a Welcoming City, and a participant in the Welcoming America Initiative.

The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Nashua High School North. More information and tickets are available online at, https://iine.org/suitcase/.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206 or aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.