A warm, dimly lit stage with a single microphone on a stand, empty stool nearby, and soft amber and deep brown shadows filling the room.

About Confabulation

Montreal — a city of stories. Unique people, places and events create a city that is rich in personal and political histories. Confabulation is a monthly showcase, dedicated to giving these stories a home, or at least a stage on which to play.

Confabulation is a unique storytelling event in Montreal where all the stories are true. They are honest accounts, told without notes, props, or gimmicks — just one person, a microphone, and the truth.

Confabulation began as a simple idea: that the most compelling stories are the ones we actually live. What started as a small gathering of Montrealers sharing personal tales has grown into a beloved monthly tradition. Each event features storytellers who step onto a stage with nothing but a microphone and their own honest experiences. There are no notes, no props, no scripts—just real people telling real stories from their lives. The result is an evening of raw, funny, heartbreaking, and unforgettable moments that remind us how extraordinary ordinary life can be when we take the time to listen.

Montreal provides the perfect backdrop for this kind of storytelling. The city itself is woven from countless narratives—the artist in Mile End, the shopkeeper in Verdun, the musician in the Plateau. Confabulation draws from this rich tapestry, giving voice to the diverse perspectives that make Montreal such a vibrant place. Each month, a new lineup of storytellers takes the stage, offering glimpses into worlds we might never otherwise encounter. The stories range from hilarious to heartbreaking, but they all share one thing in common: they are true. In an age of curated online personas, this commitment to authenticity feels more vital than ever.

The storytelling tradition is as old as humanity itself, and Confabulation honors that lineage while keeping it fresh and relevant. Whether you are a seasoned performer or someone who has never told a story on stage before, the door is open. The community welcomes everyone who has a tale worth telling and the courage to share it. Beyond the monthly events, Confabulation has become a network of storytellers and listeners who believe in the power of shared experience. It is a reminder that our stories connect us, that vulnerability is a strength, and that everyone has a story worth hearing.

Our Inspiration

Inspired by The Moth and millennia of oral tradition, Confabulation believes that everyone has a story worth telling. We've featured tales from doctors, boxers, students, grandmas, comedians, and first-time storytellers alike. The stage belongs to anyone with a true story and the courage to share it.

Host & Producer

Confabulation is hosted and produced by Montreal actor and comedian Matt Goldberg. Under his guidance, the show has grown into a beloved fixture of Montreal's live arts scene, welcoming new voices every month.

The Show

  • Monthly live storytelling events at MainLine Theatre, 3997 St-Laurent, Montreal.
  • Shows start at 8 PM.
  • Admission is by donation — pay what you can.
  • Every story is true, told without notes or props.