I’ve been out on the road with the Age of Disruption Tour. We worked our way across the northern tier of the USA starting in New England and winding our way all the way out to the Pacific Northwest. All along the way, Nate Silas Richardson and I have been putting on performances of “Life’s Most Dangerous Game” (LMDG). The event usually takes place during the evening in a community theater. We stir together a mixture of neuroscience, mythology, live music, biography, history, psychology, and art.
The performance challenges the conventional view that aging equals decline and suggests an alternative– Aging is Growth. In order to convey that we have designed the experience to be both deeply personal and, I hope, universal.
After the performance, Nate and I head out to the lobby and take time to visit with the people who attended that night’s show. Most people say something like, “I didn’t know what to expect but I really liked it!”
The last word is the key— “it.” People say they liked “it” because they really don’t know what to call “it.” I understand the difficulty…
LMDG isn’t a lecture. There is no podium. And we perform music.
LMDG isn’t a concert because, after all, how many concerts feature discussions of neuroscience?
LMDG isn’t a play. Everyone knows that plays are fiction and we are very much focussed on the truth.
LMDG isn’t a TED Talk exactly, but that is the closest example.
Right now I am stuck with the term “non-fiction theater.” We’ve taken the quality production values of a TED Talk and added the stage theatrics of theater. It may not trip off the tongue but I do think that it is accurate. We are performing in front of an audience. We make live music together. We are also very interested in communicating important ideas and, if we are lucky, maybe even change a few minds along the way.
We think that the energy and drive, the lights and the sound, the methods and materials of theater can and should be able to do more than just tell made up stories.
Broadway does fiction theater.
We do non-fiction theater.
I’m asking people who have seen us out there on the road and those who have not seen us to offer some guidance. What is the right name for this thing we are doing?
I have really enjoyed people’s comments! Some real creativity here. I wish I would have seen you in Portland, Oregon. Your “Changing Aging” name is pretty powerful by itself. It is your BRAND. If you go too far afield, you run the risk of people not knowing who you are. How about “Changing Aging: A Performance.” That is intriguing and it keeps your brand.
I suggest the title: “A Creative Exploration of Life’s Most Dangerous Game”
Life after 100
A chautauqua is an “adult education movement featuring lectures, plays, and musical performances.”
I think you should have called it “An Eclectic Journey About Aging” that few choose to take. Whatever you call it or say about it, it was wonderful. As always Dr. Bill challenges my mind and my goals, first for elders and now for myself too.
“Sagecraft” for short.
It is, of course, Sage Stagecraft.
My friend Terry saw you in Columbus and referred to it as “Performance Art” and I saw you in South Bend and agree with her! PERFORMANCE ART is a good way to describe how you present your viewpoint/position/approach.
I was thinking it’s an experience. I like Regina’s suggestion: “Transcending the Illusion of Youth”
I haven’t seen the performances alas, but it sounds to me reminiscent of the spirit of the roving troubadour, minstrel, balladeer or jongleur of times past. The fool at the court who was the only one free to tell the truth. In song.
Why is it easier for us to take the truth in song as opposed to speaking the truth?
Perhaps you could call “it” the Age Busting Troubadours? Or just Disruptive Troubadours?
I attended the tour in Sacramento, CA in May. Once again you did it, I enjoyed the evening! We arrived a little late (traffic) so missed the introduction. I would say as much as I despise reality TV, maybe “Real Reality Theatre”. It’s a very good description of what I witnessed.
Having seen it, I think non-fiction theater or reality theater or real-life theater works. Or you could go the silly route and call it Extremely Professional Busking. 😉
I was going to say “a happening,” but Barbara beat me to it! How about another ’60s term: a “Be In”? Whatever it was, it was enlightening…and fun! Great to see you, Bill!
It was a Happening.
How about “The Illusion of Youth” or “Transcending the Illusion of Youth”?
Non-fiction Theater is a good name, descriptive and to the point, but it’s not catchy or relatable. As a marketing communications professional, I recommend you go with “Reality Theater,” which not only brings to mind a very popular genre of television but also connotes a wake-up call in long-term care.
I will be producing a Successful Brain Fair here in Santa Rosa California and I would love to have Dr. Bill or some of his followers to present Dr. Bill’s Ideas. Is that possible? check out http://www.successfulbrainfair.com and call me at 707-526-9196