Manhood
Back in April, a few of us at 15Square were lucky enough to see a preview for Tom Rosenthal’s show “Manhood”. It wasn’t at a theatre or a bar where most comedians would be expected to perform but instead at Leeds Law School during an academic conference about FGM, intersex issues, male circumcision, human rights and international law.
Why would a comedian be found there? Well, for Tom, it’s personal. A show that is intended to educate his audience and challenge some deep rooted preconceptions about our culture requires more than just penis jokes.
Throughout the day, Tom’s eyes were wide and focused during every speech as he scribbled occasional notes and asked questions during some of the talks. Our audience was filled with barristers, doctors, activists, professors, counselors, psychologists, students and researchers so I think it came as a surprise when at the end of the first day Tom jumped up and managed to put everything we had been talking about into a comical context. This can be a dangerous play, but Tom easily managed to combine top level stand up with incredibly well informed high impact information.
Many a true word is spoken in jest.
Fast forward 4 months, and Tom’s show is perfected. We traveled 5 hours via car to see him perform his perfected version at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and we forgot how revolutionary and paradigm shifting this really is…
Read: “THE EVOLVING DEBATE IN THE UK”
Even 10 years ago it was hard to imagine this subject having air time on TV without jokes being made for all the wrong reasons. Now they are being made for all the right reasons. Tom is helping pave the way for more men to come to terms with their own issues, and simultaneously creating a culture that will be more receptive in understanding their traumas.
“WHENEVER YOU HAVE SEX, IT’S ON YOUR MIND.” – Tom
Many people assume that circumcision has no effect on boys and men. It is reassuring to hear Tom publicly and fervently smash that myth by expressing his own experiences as they mirror so many others.
All of this whilst still keeping his energetic, charismatic humour.
“ART FREEDOM AND CREATIVITY WILL CHANGE SOCIETY FASTER THAN POLITICS.” – Not Tom
We have seen the show twice now, and traveled across half a country for the privilege. All we can say is that it was worth it. Whether you are personally invested in this subject, want to learn more, or just enjoy Tom’s high energy humour then check out the tour dates.
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