Merlin Awarded $500 Grant Award from Helena BID for “Building Community Through Laughter” Project
for public philosophy “Building Community Through Laughter” project
An interactive public philosophy program that explores the relationship between comedy, community, and the good life. Featuring a live comedy performance & post-performance talk-back with professional comedian and philosopher Rodney Norman, audience members will be invited to consider themes like identity, perception, courage, love, friendship, justice, happiness, and community.
About OUR “Building Community through Laughter” PROJECT
Comedy, community, and philosophy go hand in hand — especially when comedian and philosopher Rodney Norman is on the mic! In this fun “thinky” comedy show and post-show talk-back program, get ready to laugh and ponder BIG questions about life.
Known for his hilariously unassuming, dead-pan, and delightfully disarming vulnerability, Rodney’s humor blends clean, family-friendly comedy with an infectious and uncontainable amount of joyful exuberance replete with philosophical wisdom.
To quote Mark Twain: “Laughter without a tinge of philosophy is but a sneeze of humor. Genuine humor is replete with wisdom.”
Through raw and honest stories from his life that are belly-laugh inspiring and relatable to all, audiences will be invited to think about things like friendship, courage, justice, humility, happiness, love, and community. Post-show conversation will build on and explore some of the themes present in Rodney’s comedic work and Q & A.
About Helena BID
Located in downtown Helena, Helena Business Improvement District’s aim is to ensure the long-term preservation and vitality of the city’s downtown economic, cultural, social, human, and natural assets. Through our programs and services, the BID works to keep the downtown a beautiful, vibrant, and safe place to work, shop, invest, explore, dine, and play.
