Nov. 6 & 20. Open mike storytelling competition sponsored by The Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization that also produces a weekly public radio show. Each month 10 storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3-5 minute story on themes of “Roads” (Dec. 4) & “Joy” (Dec. 18). The 3-person judging teams are recruited from the audience. Monthly winners compete in a semiannual Grand Slam. Seating limited, so it’s smart to arrive early.
7:30-9 p.m. (doors open and sign-up begins at 6 p.m.), Greyline, 100 N. Ashley. General admission tickets $10 in advance only at themoth.org beginning a week before each event. 764-5118.
U-M classical studies professor Ian Fielding and U-M French professor Peggy McCracken discuss Fielding’s book examining the importance of Ovid’s poetry of exile to the Latin poets writing in the social upheaval of the 4th-6th centuries, as the Roman Empire gradually collapsed.
5:30 p.m., 100 U-M Hatcher Grad Library Gallery, enter from the Diag. Free. 763-8994.
U-M anthropology professor Jennifer Robertson reads from her new book about how Japanese robots reinforce conventional gender stereotypes and the political status quo. Panel discussion follows with U-M professors Joy Rohde (history) and Alexandra Stern (American culture).
3-4:30 p.m., 2239 Lane Hall, 204 S. State. Free. 763-2066.
Veteran Chelsea storyteller and writer Steve Daut, a Second City Comedy Club grad, reads from his new collection of classic Mark Twain stories he adapted for modern audiences. The book also contains historical and performance notes for each tale.
7-8:30 p.m., Serendipity Books, 113 Middle, Chelsea. Free. 475-7148.
All invited to an open mike storytelling session similar to The Moth, the nonprofit that sponsors storytelling events where people volunteer to tell a 3-5 minute true story. Followed at 5 p.m. by a reception with a crèche display, live music, and refreshments.
4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw. Free. 662-4466 ext. 342.
Talk by WTOP radio (Washington, D.C.) national security correspondent J.J. Green.
7 p.m., Ford Library, 1000 Beal. Free. 205-0555.
Poetry workshop. All invited to read and discuss their poetry or short stories. Bring about 6 copies of your work to share.
7-9 p.m., Crazy Wisdom, 114 S. Main. Free. 665-2757
Hosted by Joe Kelty, Ed Morin, and Dave Jibson
see our blog at Facebook/Crazy Wisdom Poetry Series
Free. 734-665-2757.info@crazywisdom.net www.crazywisdom.net
ToastMasters at SweetWaters is an opportunity to practice your personal and/or professional speaking as well as Leadership in a fun friendly atmosphere.
The club is open to everyone. Attendees have the opportunity to speak, give and receive feedback about speaking, presentations and current events.
We typically have 2-4 prepared speeches followed by (Kind and constructive evaluations) to provide feedback and growth. Attendees will have an opportunity for impromptu speaking as well.
Sweetwaters Cafe, 123 W Washington. johnsonest121314@gmail.com.johnsonest121314@gmail.com
Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild members host a storytelling program. Audience members are encouraged to bring a 5-minute story to tell. This is the last performance until March 2019.
7-9 p.m., Crazy Wisdom Tea Room, 114 S. Main. Free. 665-2757.
All-ages storytelling program with stories about migration, movement, exile, and belonging, featuring U-M Afroamerican and African outreach coordinator Elizabeth James, EMU Students Organize for Syria president Ahnas Alzahabi, and AADL storyteller Laura Raynor.
7-8:30 p.m., AADL Downtown multipurpose rm., 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327-4200.