The global storytelling sensation The Moth returns to Johannesburg on 26 March 2026, bringing its celebrated Mainstage event to the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre at UJ Arts & Culture. After a sold‑out run in 2024, this one‑night experience invites audiences to enjoy five true, personal stories performed live and without notes – a hallmark of The Moth’s immersive approach to human connection. Tickets are available for R80 on Quicket.
Founded in New York in 1997, The Moth has built an international reputation for elevating the art of personal storytelling. Its live shows and acclaimed podcast have featured more than 65,000 stories, while its Global Community Program trains advocates worldwide in crafting narratives for social impact.
This year’s Johannesburg event will be hosted by celebrated South African writer, performer, and activist Lebo Mashile, whose acclaimed work spans poetry, acting, and international performance, including roles in Hotel Rwanda and Netflix’s Classified. She describes The Moth as a rare space where truth and vulnerability take centre stage.
Five storytellers from across Africa will share ten‑minute tales exploring themes of perseverance and forging new paths. Expect an evening filled with laughter, surprise, and deeply personal moments, accompanied by musical guest Yogin Sullaphen.
With its roots in intimate porch‑side storytelling sessions in Georgia, The Moth continues to honour the power of shared human experience. For travellers and locals alike, this Mainstage event offers a memorable cultural highlight in the heart of Johannesburg.
We Rise: The Moth in Johannesburg
Date: 26 March 2026
Venue: UJ Arts & Culture’s Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, Johannesburg.
Tickets: R80 on Quicket
