The University’s storytelling organization The Sloth hosted an “all-about-love” open mic last Thursday, Feb. 13, which eased attendees into the excitement of Valentine’s Day through heartwarming anecdotes about everything from unforgettable summers, grief, and beloved pets to ex-relationships, stalkers, and special cars. The event was a much-needed reminder that love, in all its forms, can be found all around us. 

We certainly felt it on Thursday night as storytellers and story-listeners trickled into the warmly lit common area on the second floor of the University’s German Haus. The room, illuminated by the glow of a pink lamplight and the winter night sky, was full of students taking their seats on the hardwood floor and inviting couches along the walls.

When asked about the process of set-up, Arlo Kremen ’27, a member of The Sloth, commented on the importance of an informal, homey setting.

“It’s all pretty DIY, and so, in terms of setting an energy, keeping with the DIY essence is crucial,” Kremen wrote in a message to The Argus. “Sit wherever. The energy is less constructed by us and more by the people who come and the spirit they bring with [them].”

It was hard not to take note of the energy in the air—a palpable buzz of excitement swept through the room as students eagerly awaited stories from their peers, or perhaps the highly anticipated events of the following Valentine’s Day. As they turned to laugh and chat with one another, we witnessed one of the greatest gifts of storytelling: the bringing together of people.

The Sloth is a group inspired by the radio program “The Moth Radio Hour,” which similarly features the telling of raw and personal stories on a live stage. The collective has organized a range of open mic events, with themes ranging from Dec. 7, 2024’s “Awakenings” to May 26, 2024’s “Confessional,” hosted twelve hours before the University’s commencement ceremony last year. 

“Open mics are a great way for people to familiarize themselves with the Sloth and oral storytelling at large,” Kremen wrote.

Natalie Sweet ’25, who has been involved with The Sloth for four years, spoke to the importance of open mic events in a message to The Argus.

“I think it’s a beautiful thing to have a space dedicated to listening to people’s life vignettes that you may not have heard otherwise,” Sweet wrote. “I love that The Sloth is not limited by genre. People can tell stories with poetic elements, or stories that are similar to a stand-up comedy set.”

From personal retrospective narratives to amusing tales of past lovers, The Sloth’s love stories open mic event embraced and welcomed all forms of storytelling. As the night unfolded in the cozy and intimate common room of German Haus, individuals took turns in sharing their chosen short stories, poetry, creative writings, and so on to an engaged audience.

Regardless of experience, this open mic–style occasion invited its guests to either voice their narratives or sit back and enjoy the tales all about love. Some students prepared their stories ahead of time, while others were inspired by the space. Tae Weiss ’27 was among those whose performance was motivated by the accessible and welcoming platform.

“I was not planning on sharing anything at all,” Weiss wrote in a message to The Argus. “But there was a moment of silence and I felt compelled—it was very spontaneous.”

Open mic events are crucial because they provide people with a platform and a community to share their authentic and unique experiences. In a message to The Argus, Rachel Walker ’27 commented on the emotions she felt as she participated in the storytelling.

“It was really special to share my story because I got to be vulnerable with a crowd of mostly strangers and let them into a piece of my life through sharing my own words,” Walker wrote. “It was so beautiful to feel supported by a whole room of people who listened to a piece of my life!”

Performing in front of an audience—especially when personal elements are involved—is never easy, yet many still chose to partake in the storytelling.

“It was a funny feeling sharing this memory and relationship that was such a special part of my girlhood to a room of mostly people I had not spoken to before,” Weiss wrote. “To divulge anything personal at all takes courage, and I am surprised I had the guts to even share what I did with a room full of strangers. But that also made it all the more fun.”

Despite the fact that their events are held in public settings and involve individuals unfamiliar with one another, The Sloth has persisted in fostering a supportive community where students can speak freely, hear fresh perspectives, and ultimately learn from each other.

“I felt nervous when I first got up to tell the story, but the Sloth cultivates a sweet and genuine environment since everyone is there to listen to each other’s words,” Walker wrote.

After an hour of storytelling, The Sloth concluded its night centered on all things love. Perhaps some students left with a new outlook on what love is, or could be.

Maggie Smith can be reached at mssmith@wesleyan.edu.

Bea Delaney can be reached at bdelaney@wesleyan.edu.