On March 6th, I received a letter from The Moth, a non-profit storytelling organization in New York City. The letter was an invitation to tell my story for ten minutes along with five others. The stories are the storyteller’s own, true experiences, told without notes, in an intimate theatre setting of 300 people. Some storytellers have included Frank McCourt, Ethan Hawke, an astronaut, a voodoo priestess, a reformed pickpocket, and many more.
Throughout the past 20 years, I have given over 600 speeches, some on television and radio or to large live audiences, as both a literacy advocate and educational reformer. I have taught, preached, and lectured, but never have I told my story in an artistic venue from the first person point of view. This would be an opportunity to speak before a new audience and to be professionally directed before sharing the stage with story-tellers.
I’d never heard of The Moth but after visiting the website I discovered who they are and wanted to be a part of it. My interest was piqued, there was an opening in my calendar and although it was short notice, I agreed to go!
The entire Moth staff and the Executive and Creative Director, Lea Thau, created a wonderful environment for the storytellers to tell our stories as though talking to friends, which demanded discipline. The theme of the night was, “Put to the Test: Stories of Fiery Trials and Minor Tribulations.” Not only did I share, but I had the honor and pleasure of hearing the other five powerful and diversified stories.
Normally I do not share about my experience as a classroom teacher; instead I talk about the problems and solutions of illiteracy and weave bits of my story as examples. The moral dilemma during my time as a teacher is often the white elephant in the room so this opportunity was both challenging and rewarding. A great challenge also came with the prospect of an entirely new audience: literary, artistic New Yorkers. This exceptional experience enhanced the potential to improve my speeches.
As always, being invited to share my story is another step towards growth, development and healing.
I often challenge my audiences by saying, “It is never too late to learn to read, it is never too late to learn.” Now it was my turn to learn and I was certainly put to the test.
I see T-shirts saying I ♥ NY and now I know why. I love New York, I love New Yorkers, I love The Moth. If you are ever in the city, I wouldn’t miss this show.
The Moth is dedicated to promoting the art of storytelling. We celebrate the ability of stories to honor the diversity and commonality of human experience, and to satisfy a vital human need for connection. We do so by helping our storytellers to shape their stories and to share them with the community at large. One goal of The Moth is to present the finest storytellers among established and emerging writers, performers and artists; another is to encourage storytelling among populations whose stories often go unheard. TheMoth.org
