The Moth takes the Stage at UMASS-Dartmouth

As quiet and unobtrusive as an insect drawn to a flame, The Moth—an NPR affiliate, and live storytelling performance company, took the stage at UMASS-Dartmouth in April.

After a comedic introduction of the program’s theme, “Giving is Living,” by Ophira Eisenberg, it wasn’t long before a few hundred fans in the audience held their collective breath for what would be a touching communicative performance.

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With more than two-decades of experience, the Moth, (heard on public radio around the globe), presented real-life stories shared by three individuals brave enough to tell of their pain, heartbreak, and triumphs. Adding humor to the some-time serious nature of the storytelling, Eisenberg shared humorous stories of her life in New York City, with the crowd joyously responding in kind.

The program included a short violin recital, and in subtle-fashion, the performer was kept on stage as a time-keeper; ingenious.

First, on stage was Polish-born Danusia Trevino who surprised the listeners with her rendition about jury duty. Second up was Mark Redmond from Vermont who shared a touching story of a woman who lost her son to drug abuse. And lastly, Fatou Wurie told of her grandmother in her native Sierra Leone.

Celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Robert E. Johnson as Chancellor of the university, the Rev. Robert Lawrence Lecture was the presenting sponsor of the event and hosted by the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement. Through inspirational stories about community service, presenters reflected on the positive impact that civic engagement has had on their lives.

The program perfectly aligned with the mission of Dr. Johnson and his vision for the student body; timely with his new role at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth, students have a robust role model to lead them as they prepare for meeting their career objectives and future.