The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will be hosting Moth-tales and Mocktails at 7 p.m. Monday in Blaisdell Hall in the Bromeley Theater.
The event, held in celebration of Women’s History Month and in recognition of the national theme of “Nevertheless, she persisted,” is meant to combine the opportunity of honoring women who fight discrimination with the energy of live storytelling.
The flyer notes the event intends to provide a venue for “sharing the stories of women who have persisted, who fight discrimination and whose courage inspires us all.”
“This event is about individual growth and human connection,” said Stephanie Eckstrom, Pitt-Bradford’s MSW Program Coordinator and Women’s History Month Committee Chair. “It is about women who have experienced discrimination due to gender, race, sexual orientation, age or ability and, through their grace, their stoicism, their courage, overcame.”
The stories will be shared in the spirit of moth storytelling, which means they are to be true stories, told without notes or any other dividing visual between the speaker and the audience.
“Moth storytelling is a thing, and the show has been going on for 20 years,” Eckstrom said. “We are taking it in the spirit of moth storytelling. Instead of stories of personal transformation, we are encouraging (attendees to share) stories of women who have persisted in tough circumstances.”
Eckstrom noted the stories could be of women who are well-known, such as Actress Jane Adams or US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright or someone who happens to be lesser known in their field but still overcame discrimination in some manner. Participants are encouraged to share the story and why it resonates with them, while maintaining the five-minute timeframe.
Moth shows begin with a theme, have a set time limit and are true stories told in an authentic voice. The Moth was created in 1997 by novelist and Georgia native George Dawes Green, whose intent was to recreate the sultry evenings in Georgia where he enjoyed storytelling with friends under lights on the front porch that drew in the moths.
The Moth Radio Hour airs on over 400 stations nationwide. A regular podcast of the show created by Green is available for download and is accessed 47 million times per year. Meanwhile, live events are held all over the country with the purpose of a contest of sorts. Participants are encouraged to share true stories about themselves and a time of personal transformation.
Pitt-Bradford’s event is open to the public. It will include a sign-in sheet for those interested in sharing stories. Anyone who is interested in sharing will be encouraged to stick to a five-minute time limit.
“These stories are not meant to be comedy, although some of them can be quite humorous. They shouldn’t be a rant or mean-spirited,” Eckstrom said. “We want to create a positive event to celebrate Women’s History Month.”
Catherine Kula, Pitt-Bradford’s Writing Center director, will be the master of ceremonies for the event. Following the story-sharing portion of the event, there will opportunity for small group discussion. Refreshments, including mocktails, will be available as well.
