Carpe Diem: Stories of our Most Vital Moments
Photo By Micah Cordy
Last week, KCRW presented a very special Mainstage production of The Moth. This unique, storytelling experience is a rare occurrence; most fans are used to the more frequent Moth Storyslams – open mic competitions where anyone with a story can drop their name in a hat for a chance to tell their tale on the evening’s theme.
But Mainstage is different… it’s special in its own way. The flagship Moth program, Mainstage features stories from five luminaries in the arts and sciences, newsmakers and news breakers, and everyday heroes (and even a few reformed villains!). Moth directors help to develop and shape their stories before they are shared with an audience, in this case, a completely packed house at The Avalon Hollywood.
Joby Ogwen: Photo by Micah Cordy
Each story teller revealed a unique tale of triumph – how in their most vital life moments they overcame tragedy, peril, physical, emotional, and mental challenges. From Joby Ogwyn‘s Mount Everst climb to Kemp Power‘s shocking, childhood accident, each personal account tapped in to my emotional core. But none more so than the evening’s closer Tig Notaro, whose painful experience of losing her mother hit close to home and I silently (or maybe not so silently) lost it in the corner.
Tig Notaro: Photo by Micah Cordy
Salman Rushdie once said, “Those who do not have power over the story that dominates their lives, power to retell it, to rethink it, deconstruct it, joke about it, and change it as times change, truly are powerless, because they cannot think new thoughts.” And, I couldn’t help mull over this quote as I listened… shocked, horrified, awestruck that the human beings standing 10 feet in front of me were not crippled. Would I have been? Would I … have overcome? have shared? have been able to think new thoughts? Or would I have been made powerless by my most vital moment? Carpe Diem, arguably the most overused, hackneyed phrase, in this moment, felt like the most powerful two words I had ever heard.
There’s something extra powerful about hearing a story vs. watching a movie or even reading a book. Oral storytelling is our oldest history book, a stringent values teacher, an emotional cornerstone with the ability to inspire or destroy. I can’t explain why or even how this process works, but it just does. Looking at faces of the audience as they shuffled out of the venue, I saw smiles, misty eyes, and tear stained cheeks. But, what I heard, was silence. Perhaps everyone was in silent shock, perhaps everyone was just too excited for the after party at Bardot, or perhaps, everyone was contemplating, just like me, their most vital moment.
If you ever have a chance to attend a Moth Mainstage, I cannot encourage you, beg you, plead with you enough to GO! Whether it’s for a cathartic cry or a heartfelt laugh, the emotional, gut wrenching, awe inspiring roller coaster ride is what makes The Moth so great. And, since I know these performances are so rare, KCRW is bringing back The Moth Radio Hour in mid January on Sunday mornings from 11:00am – Noon.
“To be a person is to have a story to tell.” Isak Dinesen
I have learned result-oriented things from your blog post. Yet another thing to I have found is that usually, FSBO sellers may reject you actually. Remember, they would prefer not to use your solutions. But if anyone maintain a gentle, professional connection, offering assistance and remaining in contact for about four to five weeks, you will usually have the ability to win a business interview. From there, a listing follows. Thanks
Of course like your web site but you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I uncover it extremely bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll undoubtedly come back again.
we both have those traditional picture frames and digital picture frames at dwelling. each are wonderful for displaying family pictures;;
It is rare knowledgeable folks for this subject, but you sound like there’s a lot more you are discussing! Thanks
This web site is disseminating valuable information to folks who are most concerned in the following concerns being targeted by this internet site. Quite a few absolutely will preserve coming back to check out updated posts.
Many experts have every week now that my website can be straight down. while i exposed the ticket, that they informed me they up-to-date their particular computers , and i also should renew this site?? that required all of them A day to create this particular result. Each time My partner and i reply that they submit with an similarly pointless result, regular responds, refined with greatest, impolite and also big-headed at worst type of. The premier host thepremierhost.com scam web hosting.
I like this post, enjoyed this one thank you for posting. “When you make a world tolerable for yourself, you make a world tolerable for others.” by Anais Nin.
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
Excellent web site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks in your effort!
Wonderful website. Lots of useful info here. I’m sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you for your sweat!
Naturally I like your internet internet site, nonetheless you’ve got to check the spelling on quite some of your posts. Quite a few them are rife with spelling issues and I locate it very bothersome to let you know. Nevertheless I will surely come again again!
Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task.