When a friend says, “You will never guess what happened to me… I can’t believe I’m telling you this but… I will never forget when…” what follows is usually an intimate story that reveals a kernel of truth about the way we live. When We Were Nearly You is a storytelling show that celebrates this kind of personal tale. Storyteller Lebogang Mogashoa shares stories about planning what is supposed to be the perfect first kiss, disappointing a childhood idol and an unexpected religious conversion. When We Were Nearly Young is an intimate show that's as hilarious as it is poignant. When We Were Nearly Young (WWWNY) is a storytelling show modeled after shows such as This American Life, The Moth and Risk. It a show that tells entertaining, emotional, intimate, important, funny or compelling personal stories that shine light on some aspect of human nature.

Lebogang Mogashoa launched WWWNY in December 2012 in Seoul, South Korea as a single performer bi-monthly show with an audience of fifteen. It grew into a monthly series with an average of six performers - whose stories Lebogang workshops - and over a hundred audience members. Following the launch of WWWNY in South Africa Lebogang will offer workshops with the aim to create strong storytelling community in the country

Media & Reviews

Interview with Lebogang Mogashoa on News 24 for When We Were Nearly Young

Audience Responses

Hi, I enjoyed the show, Lebogang is a very funny and captivating story teller. unfortunately I do have one issue with the show. I think its over priced. Considering the simple format of the show (no director, no royalties, etc), I dont feel it's appropriate to charge almost as much as you do for a show like (for example) The Unexpected Man, which feels so much more professional and where so much more work has gone into the production. Otherwise it was great and we did all enjoy it. Regards Mark

Amazing! It was funny, yet intelligent and intimate. Can't wait for the next one.

Amazing! It was funny, yet intelligent and intimate. Can't wait for the next one.

Loved it! have him back!

We truly enjoyed the show- we chatted afterwards with Lebogang, encouraging him to continue his craft- one suggestion was to assure him he is now home- he does not need to overstate his stories at the end- each one is very strong, and because we understand the history and the origins of each story, there are things that can be left unsaid- we both found his stories both touching, funny and full of pathos- end each one strongly- with a bang, not a whimper. Your South African audience gets you. Hugely enjoyable and exciting to witness.

Cute, charming, warm, funny, original. A bit like being cuddled by words.