Spalding Gray – A pioneer of modern stand up comedy
Spalding Gray was an American artist who worked closely with Richard Schechner, and thus created The Wooster Group.
We looked at his work today in the seminar and I have been inspired to want to write something that is in his shadow.
He was primarily a storyteller, including monologues, novels and audio work. Much of his work is based on family life (such as the death of his own Mother). It is self mocking and whimsical.
We came together as a class, and realised that his work was both confessional and performance which is something that I would like to explore within my own work. I like the idea of self mocking and laughing about yourself. I think it’s important in such a serious world.
His stand up comedy differed from the usual because it was storytelling and not just merely punchline jokes. It is fast paced, quick, witty and simple, but complex enough to make the audience think as well as laugh.