STORY-HOLDING PODCAST
Shoebox Stories Podcast
In Motus Theater’s ground-breaking Shoebox Stories Podcast, prominent Americans stand in the shoes of Motus’ monologists by reading aloud their stories, saying their words and feeling the weight they carry.
Each episode features a powerful story from someone on the frontlines of violence in the U.S., honest reflection from both the guest reader and the monologist, and healing music from nationally renowned musicians.
By reading one of the autobiographical stories, the guest readers are not saying that they agree with everything written - although they might. They are simply agreeing to refrain from judgment and see the world through another’s eyes. Read Motus Theater’s statement on readers, here, and visit www.shoeboxstories.org to learn more about this podcast project.
“What surprised me is how, somehow, just for a few seconds, I was you.”
Season One: UndocuAmerica Series
The UndocuAmerica Series aims at interrupting dehumanizing portrayals of immigrants by encouraging thoughtful engagement on the challenges facing the undocumented community and the assets they are to our country.
Each episode features a powerful personal story from a Motus monologist who is undocumented. Prominent Americans read aloud each story and reflect with the monologist on the impact of doing so. Musical responses by esteemed national musicians follow each story and conversation.
This 10 episode series launched in 2019 and features readers and musicians including humanitarian chef José Andrés, actor John Lithgow, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, esteemed journalist and author Jorge Ramos, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, rock n’ roll legend Neil Young, Grammy Award-winning musician Arturo O'Farrill and more.
Story themes include the threat of deportation, the injustice of being sent into exile from the country in which you were raised, border patrol, the current human and civil rights threats to immigrants, racial profiling and more.
“If more people [were] aware of the stories of people like you, immigration reform [would have] already passed.”
Our UndocuAmerica Series podcast guests have included:
“I think it’s a wonderful thing to partner you and me and to make my reading of your story a companion piece to yours. It’s my way of walking in your shoes.”
Season Two: JustUs Series
The JustUs Series aims to expose the devastating impact of the criminal legal system and inspire action towards a vision of true justice.
This series will premiere in January of 2022 and will feature the powerful personal stories of Motus monologists directly impacted by the criminal justice system. Prominent leaders working within the criminal legal system (law enforcement, district attorneys, prosecutors, and the department of corrections) will read aloud each story and reflect, alongside the monologist, on the impact of the process. Musical responses by esteemed national musicians follow each story and conversation.
The JustUs monologues cover themes as diverse as racial profiling, inequity in the bond/bail system, human rights abuses in prison, the criminalization of substance abusers, the systemic racism and poverty that pushes young people into illicit economies, and more.
“There’s nothing more positive, exciting and forward-moving than this kind of sharing of stories.”
You can listen to the Motus monologists read aloud their own stories in the companion podcast: Motus Monologues.