Acclaimed storytelling and improvisation collective Moth & Butterfly's upcoming event on Monday, August 18, will transform Rouge Restaurant, on Dominick Street, into a haven for spoken word and spontaneous theatre, all gathered under the theme 'Making Hay'.
Hosted by the Moth & Butterfly Creative Crew alongside special guests, the event kicks off at 7.30pm, with doors open from 7,00pm for seating and refreshments. Tickets are €15 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. The event is strictly for 18+ attendees.
What's the story?
With international and local voices expected to take the stage, the upcoming "Making Hay" event will come with set guidelines and ground rules.
Firstly, there will be three types of storytelling formats taking place during the session: 'Moth'-style stories, improvised stories and free-fall stories.
Inspired by the famed "Moth" tradition, 'Moth'-style stories are true, short, first-person tales which centre on a meaningful personal experience. They typically run for eight to nine minutes and aim to strike a chord. Described as "much more interesting than jokes or a yarn" by the Moth & Butterfly crew, Moth-style stories should be personal; they can be funny, but do not have to be, if you prefer.
Improvised stories are one-of-a-kind tales created on the spot. Known for their improv skills, the Moth & Butterfly crew have different improvisational formats including: 'Stories from the Hat' (where the audience picks an object to be featured in the story ) and 'Found in Translation' (where the tellers improvise and translate bilingually ).
Free-fall stories are all other stories that fit the theme, for example, a true story about someone else, or a piece of fiction, be it a folk tale or a tall tale.
The one golden rule? No scripts, no reading, just pure oral storytelling. The night belongs to both tellers and listeners, because as Moth & Butterfly puts it, “Without good listeners, there would be no good stories.”
Modern seanchaithe
Founded by Galway-based storyteller and performer Orla McGovern, Moth & Butterfly was born from the blend of true-story tradition (the “Moth” ) and the transformational art of improvisation (the “Butterfly” ). With a rotating lineup of professional performers, writers, and guest artists, the group has carved out a unique storytelling niche that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
As one audience member put it: "There's nothing quite like this night in Ireland."
Whether you come to tell, to listen, or to laugh and reflect, “Making Hay” promises a vibrant, one-night-only experience in the heart of Galway’s arts scene. Expect the unexpected, and don’t be surprised if you walk away with a new favourite story.
Moth & Butterfly give thanks to Galway City Council for helping to support this event.
Tickets and full details are available at www.mothandbutterflystories.com
