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After visiting South Africa in 2016, The Moth returns to Joburg for another sold-out night of storytelling on Sat, Mar 16.
Since its humble beginnings in 1997, The Moth has shared more than 60,000 stories with audiences around the world; it's fair to say they're well-versed in the themes that punctuate people's lives. Stories of love, loss, courage, faith, and hope; stories that illustrate the beauty of existence and the shared struggles that make us fully human.
An accomplished writer and a darling of stage and screen, Lebo Mashile will host the upcoming Mainstage event in Joburg that welcomes Nsovo Mayimele, Michael Maina, Mohammad Jasem, Matilda Matabwa, and Webster Makombe as storytellers. We spoke to this diverse cast about the stories that have shaped them and the theme for The Moth's upcoming event, Power and Possibility. Read the interviews with the storytellers here.
Jodi Powell
Born in Jamaica and based in New York, Jodi Powell is a producer and director at The Moth. She sees stories as the common fabric of humanity. Through her work with The Moth, Powell tells us, "I love the people we get to meet through their stories. Moth storytellers are some of the most fascinating, generous, and talented people I have ever met."
How has storytelling enriched your life?
Storytelling has reinforced my hope and belief in humanity, reminding me that we are deeply connected, interesting, and multilayered people. Every time I sit down to talk to someone and experience a tiny slice of that individual and then witness the transformation in them, and, as the story moves from that one moment to the stage, I marvel at how simple and truly life-changing sharing parts of yourself can be.
How can we use the art of storytelling and harness the power of stories for good?
I think the power of stories gets elevated the more they are shared. We all have so much in common, but the only way we truly know that is if it is talked about. Something happens when a person realises they are being heard and that what they have to share is valuable. Share your stories. Tell them on the barstool, on the pulpit, on and off stage, and at the dinner table. It will connect you more to the listener. The more we do this, the more we realise the bits that separate us can and should be set aside.
"Share your stories. Tell them on the barstool, on the pulpit, on and off stage, and at the dinner table."
What are the components of a great story?
A good story takes us on a journey through great scenes where we understand what’s at stake and what matters to the storyteller. Moth stories are particularly driven by change; what shifts in a big or small way for the storyteller and what the storyteller understands as a result of that journey.
"I marvel at how simple and truly life-changing sharing parts of yourself can be."
What makes you excited for The Moth's upcoming Mainstage event in Joburg?
I love that we are in South Africa because some of my heroes are from here. I also think the culture of South Africa has contributed so much to the world we live in now, so it is just such an honour to be doing this here. The storytellers are past Moth Workshop alumni; they come wanting to share their unique experiences. These storytellers will bring you into rooms that only they have the key to, and we are so happy to unlock these experiences in Joburg.
If you could pick just one episode of The Moth to recommend, which would you choose and why?
We just finished our fourth book, a compilation of great stories from the last few years, A Point of Beauty: True Stories of Holding On and Letting Go. Two stories that stood out to me are Monte Montepare, who shared about being at his lowest point after discovering his wife cheated on him and summoning his inner strength to scare away a bear in rural Alaska. It’s just one of those stories that has you sitting at the edge of your seat.
And a story from Hasna Muhammad about the joys of swimming; I love the simplicity of the story and the details. Also, Hasna is the daughter of Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, great American writers/actors and Civil Rights activists. It feels like this story is capturing a piece of American history. And there are countless stories one can listen to that are a great mixture of funny, heartwarming, inspiring, and unbelievable.
Sarah Austin Jenness
Sarah Austin Jenness has been working with The Moth since 2005. As executive producer, she's helped hundreds of people craft and hone their personal stories. She believes stories can change the world by creating connection. Austin Jenness has been with The Moth for practically half of her life and tells us, "I’m proud that The Moth is part of a storytelling movement in the world and that more and more organisations and community arts centres are promoting storytelling. Directing and producing personal storytelling shows is more important now than ever because the world seems more divided than ever."
How has storytelling enriched your life?
I’m a better listener now than when I was younger. I’ve seen personal stories debunk long-held beliefs that listeners had about who someone is and what makes them tick... and I know now that storytelling can help with peace-building. It has been an incredible privilege (with lots of laughter and tears) to help thousands of people tell true personal stories during my 19 years at The Moth.
How can we use the art of storytelling and harness the power of stories for good?
True stories can change the world. Facts, figures and statistics only go so far. Personal stories help us feel more connected to each other. They light us up, they make us laugh. They make us feel.
"True stories can change the world."
What are the components of a great story?
I love to think of stories as fingerprints. Stories are unique to the teller. Ask yourself, "Why can only I tell this story?" What dialogue and details do you remember about these pivotal scenes from your life and how can you paint the picture to bring us into your world? Remember, stories are not just facts. Stories are filled with feeling. For example, if your story includes your parent’s divorce, what is running through your mind when you hear the news? For some, it may be sadness. For others, it may be good news. The best stories help us walk with you and better understand you at the end.
How do you work with the storytellers ahead of The Moth's live events to hone and craft their stories?
We meet storytellers where they are. We talk with them at length about the story they want to tell and we ask questions. It’s only after a few phone calls that the story starts to take shape and the heart of the story emerges. The stakes, the arc, and the length are important. This isn’t your whole life story. It’s one moment from your life or one decision you had to make that changed the course of things. Moth story crafting can take weeks, months, or even years.
"I love to think of stories as fingerprints. Stories are unique to the teller."
What makes you excited for The Moth's upcoming Mainstage event in Joburg?
I’m thrilled this show has been so well received so far. We’ll have to come back soon! We’d love to excite people to pitch The Moth on our website with their own stories and maybe they’ll see themselves on stage next time we are here.
If you could pick just one episode of The Moth to recommend, which would you choose and why?
Truth and Power: Global Stories of Women just re-aired on The Moth podcast so you’ll find it in your feed if you subscribe. It features five stories by and about women around the world including one from Betty Reid Soskin (who told her story on stage at 95 years old and is now 102 – God bless her!) and others from our Global Community Program, where we help activists and advocates use their personal stories in the work they do to change the world. Check it out and spread the word. We hope to hear your story next!
The Moth's Mainstage event in Joburg is now sold out but takes place at UJ ARTS Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre on Sat, Mar 16.
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