Story by Story: Mitch Capel

Join PSPL for Story by Story, a monthly series for adults and teens, where storytellers from around the country share stories reflecting diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences. Performances run 45-60 minutes, followed by an up-to 30 minute discussion opportunity. An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided for all events.

Using historic research, plus the poetic genius of Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906), Mitch Capel unveils the true depth of the soul and life of this remarkable poet laureate in We Wear the Mask. Dr. Joanne Braxton, author of The Collected Poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar, wrote, “Mitch is the greatest interpreter of Dunbar’s work ever!”

The journey of Mitch Capel as a master storyteller, motivational speaker, author, poet, playwright, and comedian has been phenomenal. Born and raised in Southern Pines, North Carolina, he began storytelling professionally in 1985 and is now considered the national interpreter of the poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar with over 70% of the poet’s work stored to memory. He is the voice of Paul Laurence Dunbar in film and the kiosks at the Wright/Dunbar Interpretive Center in Dayton, Ohio. 

Capel brings stories to life, while plucking the strings with just the touch the human heart craves. Major publications have described him as “a word magician”, “a national treasure”, and “unexpectedly powerful”. He has performed at thousands of venues, including the National Storytelling Festival, Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival, the Signifying & Testifying Storytelling Festival, and the Kennedy Center. He was also invited to perform for two presidential inaugurations. Capel has been featured at the National Association of Black Storytelling Festival (NABS) every year since 1988 and has emceed two annual Liar's Contests for over 30 years. He has also received the Zora Neale Hurston Award, the highest award given by NABS. He attended A&T State and Howard Universities, studying speech and theater, but he calls himself, “a full-time honor student at the University of Life”.