May 182017
 

Theatre

Does art imitate life or does life imitate art?

It’s called “Noam Chomsky vs Rush Limbaugh” and is one of London Ontario’s “Fringe Festival” entries to be featured at the Palace Theatre in June.

As the only play in the fringe line-up to feature a “political” theme, it asks a question that is often entertained on Just Right: “Is there more to this political bird than just the left and the right wings?”

To help us entertain that question, we are joined by Western University economics professor John Palmer, who plays the role of Noam Chomsky, and by playwright Paul Merrifield, whose humourous script provided the inspiration for the very unlikely meeting of two highly polarized political figures.

Says AM980 radio’s Andrew Lawton: “An amusing romp that squarely takes aim at political correctness in a way that I wish more art would.” Adds London City Councillor Michael Van Holst “These are dialogues you wish would happen!”

Helping to make it all happen is none other than Just Right’s own Robert Vaughan, who debuts as director of “Noam Chomsky vs Rush Limbaugh”, and shares his experiences and expectations along with our two in-studio guests.

Does art imitate life or does life imitate art?

As we discover on today’s show, that’s a dangerous question because it can lead a conversation in almost any direction. From theatre, to religion, to politics, to the meaning of life itself, these are but a few of the themes that become unavoidable when that question is asked.

Among the highlights of today’s incredibly varied conversation: conservatism’s religious component, altruism vs rational self interest, religion and morality, art and life, epistemology, corporate net worth vs GDP, politics, taxes, Freedom Party, critical thinking, and even the state of theatre itself.

And when it comes to economics, most media members remain hopelessly ignorant of simple economic principles, and reflect that bias in their reports and analysis; “What’s write for me is right for you,” might be one way of phrasing Professor Palmer’s view of how today’s media reports on “economic” matters.

The good news is that theatre in London is alive and well, and that the talent available locally rivals that of the greatest actors on film and TV.

With art and theatre at the center of what influences culture, and what affects the ideas and philosophy of people everywhere, fringe theatre is a means of expressing yourself that our guests all heartily recommend – simply because it’s fun.

We’re betting that under the direction of Robert Vaughan, audiences who attend “Noam Chomsky vs Rush Limbaugh” at the Palace Theatre in June will be treated to an entertainment experience that’s Just Right.

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