The Moth - National Theatre Melbourne

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Mon 19 Jun 2017

The Moth is a unique storytelling evening where people like you and me tell true stories on stage without notes.

Founded in America 20 years ago, The Moth has become a global phenomenon, selling out events across the U.S. and abroad. The Moth radio hour is also broadcast on over 400 U.S. radio stations and The Moth podcast is downloaded millions of times per year.

It landed in Melbourne in 2015 and has been growing its fanbase ever since. The tickets to the last slam sold out in just under an hour. It probably helps it that a well-known comedian Cal Wilson is the host. I would buy tickets even to a Parliament sitting were she to MC it.

The magic of The Moth is hard to describe in words. You have to experience it. And once you do, you'll be coming back for more as it's quite addictive.

Before you panic, rest assured that you don't have to get up on stage and fight your fear of public speaking. Most people come to listen with a glass of vino in hand – The Moth is held at Howler Bar's theatre space. But after watching the storytellers being embraced by the public after baring their souls on stage, you too might be inspired to get up there and share your story. All you have to do is prep and put your name in the hat on the night. If you are one of the 10 storytellers picked, the microphone and stage are yours for 5 minutes.

Each monthly event has a theme (e.g. Karma, Cheating, Fresh) and apart from being on topic, stories must be real, yours to tell and properly structured. You can't just jump up and tell the audience about your mate's drinking adventures or practice a comedy routine. Such rules ensure the high calibre of stories on the night by people who respect the art of storytelling.

You never know what you are going to hear at The Moth. It could be a story about the fear of flying, a wedding gone wrong, a love found in the most unusual of places, making it in Australia as a migrant or an unsuccessful attempt at being an international strip star. Whatever it is, Cal Wilson manages to connect it all with jokes and hilarious personal anecdotes.

Some stories will make you cry, most – laugh, none will leave you indifferent. To see someone standing up there, sometimes with shaky hands, sharing something personal, being vulnerable is undoubtedly powerful. That's why The Moth is event like no other.

What's also exciting about The Moth that it doesn't discriminate. It's a bit like MacDonald's. Doesn't matter what age, size or social status you are, if you like stories you'll be welcome here.

So if you haven't been, treat yourself. The GrandSlam, where monthly winners come together to fight it out for the title of The Moth Champion, takes place on Monday, 19 June. As it's held at a bigger venue, some tickets are still available.

Curious to find out more before you go? Check out The Moth stories on the ABC show 'Life Matters' , find the bestselling 'The Moth, 50 true stories' book in the library or listen to the podcast .

Once you visit The Moth, I pretty much guarantee you'll become a fan, waiting impatiently for the next lot of tickets to be released. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be inspired to share with Melbourne a story of your own.

All the information re regular The Moth in Melbourne nights you can find on Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/themothmelbourne

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!date 19/06/2017 -- 19/06/2017
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