Mike Daisey Turns Other Cheek: The Liberal, Atheist One

If you are a fan, you likely have already heard, but a bunch of "Christian" audience members at one of Mike Daisey's Invincible Summer shows in Cambridge last week not only got up mid-show and walked out, but the apparent ring-leader destroyed Daisey's original monologue outline by pouring water on it. None of the group would talk with him as they walked out. The video on YouTube is, to steal Daisey's words, "incredibly chilling and dorky at the same time."

What's an attacked artist to do? Sulk, cry, pound their chest with their fists and rend their hair? Well, maybe some of that, but then Daisey actually finds the group, and then the water-pouring guy, and talks to him for over an hour. And then, he forgives the man. Do we believe that Daisey genuinely forgave him? Yes. Do we wish to wake up tomorrow to a world overflowing with Daiseys, people who are fiercely intelligent and vulnerable and strong and insightful, all somehow simultaneously? Absolutely.

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By Courtney in Arts & Events on April 24, 2007 1:02 PM

Comments [rss]

David F.

I still don't understand what they were doing there. A christian youth group from Norco, CA at the American Rep in Cambridge, MA? Did they fly across the country to see what it is like in the "belly of the beast?" The ART and other high-brow venues are not putting porn on his kids' computers or "coursening the culture". They should have taken the trip of 50 miles to Hollywood or to Van Nuys.

ryan

First of all, I have no idea who that guy is or what his show is all about, but after watching that video and then reading the follow-up post on his website, all I can say is that he's my new hero. That is the most mature and insightful way he possibly could have responded and I am inspired!