A workshop of storytelling was held in San Quentin’s Chapel B, The Last Mile an audio video program at the prison sponsored the event.
The occasion consisted of a two-day storytelling seminar for the incarcerated students of the Last Mile program.
The Moth storytelling crew facilitated the event, a non-profit organization dedicated to the art and craft of true and personal storytelling.
The first day of the workshop took place in SQ’s Chapel B; participants sat in a circle meant to symbolize a safe space and platform for creativity.
“What is said here stays here, what is learned here leaves here,” said Moth Instructor Ingrid Romero.
The instructors David Gaskins, Chazz Bruce and including Romero flew cross-country to teach TLM students the craft of storytelling; the instructors are from various Districts of NYC.
Moth is a form of a story told typically in a five-minute session. The organization derived its name from the fact that a moth is attracted to light, Ms. Romero told the students.
Gaskin who was formerly incarcerated in up state New York was first to demonstrate a Moth story.
Day one concluded with participants being given tools and tips on presenting a live moth story in front of their peers. Emphasis was placed on voice inflection. Raising your voice to keep the listener’s attention, while also lowering the voice to draw the listener in.
Bruce informed students that they would share their stories to close out day two of the workshop.
The final day of the workshop took place in TLM coding trailer, which is the former SQ transportation office.
The last day began with students rehearsing their stories in three small groups with one instructor for each group. Once the instructors were confident that their pupils were ready, the storytelling began.
TLM audio video students came to the workshop expecting to sharpen their pod casting skills, but left with much more.
“It was extremely gratifying to go back and remember my struggles towards becoming the man that I am today,” said workshop participant Kolby Southwood.
He went on to say that sharing his story with the group was empowering and helped him remember the moment he wasn’t alone in his struggles.
The final day of the workshop came to a conclusion, a student expressed that the new skills can be helpful for those facing a parole hearing. The class learned how to present their true authentic self as they shared deeply personal stories from their lives.
“I wish this was something the entire population could have attended, especially those that have to go to the Parole Board,” said Tony Tafoya a TLM student.
Moth has had 50,000 storytellers in 27 years on their stage; there are more than 550 live shows a year, involving 30 locations across the globe.
