schedule
Prof. Rudman
The Problem of the Body: Why is our society ashamed of bodily urges?
Thu., Jul. 30 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 1 @ 5:30 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 3 @ 7:00 p.m.
[A] Fri., Aug. 7 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 2:30 p.m.
KEY:
[S]=ASL interpreted
[A]=Audio described
Warning! Nudity, Adult language
Venue Intermedia Arts
For ages 18+
Created by Prof. Damon Rudman
genres Solo, Satire
subjects Political, Historical
features Multimedia, World premiere, Original script/choreography, First-time Minnesota Fringe Festival producer
Overall rating
User reviews
Excellent Lecture
by Chuck Beeson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I liked this concept for a show, even the audience plant to ask a question. Lots of great information here. As I'd seen in a prior review, the issues with the multi-media (Masha 3000 had similar problems) became an inpediment, but that happens in class, too. Very good show, makes you want to take it for the quarter! I also liked his postcards, they made me want to see the show
Presentation needs work
by Sharon Kahn Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
Interesting set of slides and boldly different idea for a Fringe show, but the presentation was lacking. I saw the show Monday, which I believe was the 3rd performance. But the professor was still having trouble reading his own notes - stumbling over words, pausing awkwardly in the middle of sentences to turn pages, and getting out of sync with his slides.
He also tried to cover way too much ground for a 1-hour presentation. I would like to see a reworked version of this material with tighter focus (fewer slides, more discussion). And practice practice practice until he can read his own material without stumbling.
Entertaining challenge to cultural norms
by Stu Tanquist Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This session is a fast-paced slide-show that mixes historical data and wit to challenge societal norms related to the human body. The professor cleverly illustrates the absurdity of many modern attitudes, beliefs, and practices. I'd love to see this presentation go mainstream.
cut this class
by Larry Meuwissen Follow this reviewer
Rating 0 kitties
the prof is a stiff. his few attempts at humor are flat and devoid of timing. The material is very carefully and well done, but the delivery is borrrrr-ing!
The Prof pulls it together
by David Porter Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
In witty fashion the Prof skewers his widely shared cultural heritage of inhibition and phobia with well researched spotlights on social, political and emotional responses to universal human functions and condition. Have you farted today? On target...pucker up babe!
The Problem of the Body
by Stu Barron Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This performance was outrageous and shocking in the best tradition of Fringe offerings. The multimedia presentation as well as the coresponding monologue were dense with what I assume were scrupulously researched facts and yet the effect was a potent mixture of disbelief, embarassment, revelation and hilarity. An important social and aesthetic critique told in an appropriately shocking and funny manner.
Meet the Prof
by Joshua Humphrey Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
On it's own merits, this is a fascinating lecture. The presentation of the material and slides kept me engaged for the entirety of the hour, and I can't say I was bored at any point--who can, when they check their repressions at the door?
There are a few shows like this in the fringe that stand out because they're not theatre or performance (The Comedy Hypnosis Show comes to mind). Go with the flow and if you get the chance, pop in and take in a little culture. Or is it anti-culture?
The intellectual side of fart jokes
by Diane Hellekson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
It could have been all shock; it could have been all schtick. But Prof. Rudman instead researched the heck out of his topics (nudity, sexuality, elimination, etc.) and followed their evolution in art, culture and into the realm of politics and justice. Dare I say it was a Stimulating lecture? Replete with scores of great images, projected large, and even sound effects. Plus, the prof looks really cute in a cap and gown. Only disappointment: In the full lecture, I noted no dildo props, which were used to rhapsodic effect in the 3-minute Fringe-for-All.
Funny as hell, great visuals
by Big Vagina Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Professor Rudman has a trenchant critique concerning the prohibition of bodily images and functions in Western society. It's a witty and goofy presentation.
Oooh, look! Thingies!
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
It's a cute conceit with a basis in truth. Yes, we've got cultural obsession/denial problems. This show has the pictures and occasional sound effects to prove it. Not new information, but it's a nice assemblage. The Monday night show was plagued by technical difficulties and it threw off the performer just enough to leave a dent in the show. Still worth seeing if you've got a gap in your schedule and you're in the neighborhood.
Informative, entertaining, and unique
by Kelly Glader Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show is not a show, it's a lecture. But that's actually not a bad thing! Prof. Rudman has a lot to say, and you should listen! He lectures about history, current events, and societal constructs--all relating to our bodily urges. What makes this lecture so good is that we rarely take the time or have the opportunity to really sit down and think about how ridiculous our current view on bodily urges is, and this show does just that. A MUST see.
A large body of artwork....
by Betsy Nelson Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Prof. Rudman had a great collection of slides of artwork....very fascinating. The pace was a little awkward, though.
Go See? Yes, for a great lecture.
by Nick Decker Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
Timecodes from lights-down:
00:43 - Nude images presented in a slideshow, including artwork, photography, pornography, and paparazzi-shots of certain celebrities.
A lack of live nudity was sorely disappointing. The lecture was fascinating, though. I enjoyed this show.
Lots of images...
by D Sandberg Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
May want some editing, but Prof. Rudman keeps this broad survey moving by bombarding you with images you didn't see in Art History class. He puts forth the case of our schizophrenic attitude toward "the body" and sexuality in a culture inundated with sexual images selling product. Fun show with informative anecdotes about evolving mores relating to bodily functions.
Bawdy hilarity!
by Curt Sloan Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Puritanism still stalks our culture. Let it hang out, air out, come out. Come on enjoy it! You know you do. Only those with bodies will enjoy this show....
The Problem of the Body
by Bill Young Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Entertaining, informative, and intellectually stimulating. A fantastic show!
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