About the Show

Private Thoughts and Other Lies is the newest solo work by performing artist and world-record holding sword swallower Roderick Russell.

Combining the artistry of movement and the power of language with the timing of a musician and the psychology of a magician, Russell explores in a live, interactive format themes such as fear, manipulation, love and the role of perception in the construction of reality.

Through an offbeat and charming manner, Russell explores these challenging themes in short vignettes that are sometimes silent explorations in movement while at other times enlivened and passionate discourse.

Present throughout each presentation is his signature psychological artistry, allowing him to conjure wonder as he seemingly reads minds, predicts thoughts and influences choice; all with an eye towards sophisticated entertainment that is not afraid to tackle everything from corporate manipulation to our own deceptive perceptions.

Part culture-jamming socio-political commentary, part interactive mind-bender, world-record holding sword swallower Roderick Russell shifts from seriousness to satire, from highfalutin to farce and back again in this eclectic exploration of everything from high society to what you ate for dinner last night.