Comments

1
I'M HAVING TROUBLE THINKING OF A SINGLE WORSE IDEA THAN AN "EROTIC OPEN MIC".
2
Another local event that purports to be sexy but seems like the extreme opposite of that.
A dominatrix who wants to whip my self-esteem into shape?
"You better be comfortable sitting with your eyes closed in a room full of people while visualizing yourself going down on yourself, or with hugging and/or spanking the person to your left."
Enough said -- thanks for the warning!
3
Audience participation?! Can I do it with my cell phone like Hecklevision? Seriously, nothing wilts a... event quite like audience participation (and Erik, naturally).
4
It sounds odd and I would never go to it on my own but it might actually help some people. It is a difficult subject to be sure
5
Wow, there's a lot of judging going on by people that haven't seen the show! It's absolutly fantastic! Uncomfortable at times, but that's what good art should be! If you saw it and didn't like it, comment all you want...
6
@5, thanks. This is what several friends have told me. It sounds like it would be a better couples event? Or date even? I have heard good things from some of my friends who know her.
7
This one-woman show (a difficult task already from an actor's perspective, and often an exercise in exasperation at best from an attendee POV) was easily one of the best theater experiences I've ever had. FWIW, I also usually dislike theater in general. I dunno how a theater snob would feel about it, but I thought Eleanor was engaging, talented, and beautiful telling an honest and compelling story. Screw the nay-sayers.
8
@5: We have to prejudge events somewhat before we go them. How else would we decide what to go to and what to skip?
Anyway, flippant wisecracks in a comment thread? Is nothing sacred?
9
I have seen this show and it is awesome! It's funny and intelligent. Couples or single, it doesn't matter. GO! It's worth your time. She nails it.
10
Wow, these comments sure are an unfortunate example of what self-aggrandizing, safe little cynics Portland hipsters can be. These are some cleverly communicated, bravely uninformed opinions, seeing as y'all haven't been brave enough to try a dose of Eleanor's brand of performance.

Thing 1.) American culture largely vilifies while fetishizing a stereotypical expression of sexy that has very little to do what actually goes on between people behind closed doors. We need cultural experiences that tell a more responsible, honest story.

Thing 2.) Eleanor's work in this piece is polished, vulnerable, respectful and challenging. Go. Watch. You will LAUGH, feel a little sexy, feel a little scared. You might not fuck afterwards, you might not even masturbate, but you absolutely will have participated in a brand new experience and come out alive on the other side.
11
@10: But I have tried a dose of her brand of performance, by following one of the links in the post and watching her videos. Sorry if I put you on the defensive, but as for your weak, presumptuous put-downs, stop trying to tear down my self-esteem! Maybe I just need a fucking hug, did you ever think of that?
I'm sure many will enjoy the show. But a lot of folks hate audience-participation stuff, especially when it involves "reaching out" to the people sitting around you. If you can't respect that opinion, then all I can say is that I invite you to visualize yourself going down on yourself.
12
How does an upper class girl, coming from plenty of money and family support, spending a few months "interning" as a dominatrix, manage to turn herself into some kind of "expert" on this subject? Then milk it for all its worth. Middle class audiences love to buy into this shit.

Slumming for profit by Trustafarians has risen to a new level. I'll take my b&d from the folks in the trenches who aren't capitalizing on the "next new thing". And maybe this actress could move onto something which resembles acting rather than exhibitionism.
13
Let me just be clear, @10: I don't care about your opinion (at least not enough to read a 300 word emo scrawl). I care about mine. Which I stated above with both brevity and humor, because I am awesome.
14
I am extremely leery both of events involving audience participation and of 3rd-party attempts to put me in literal or figurative touch with myself, but Eleanor did a show called Inviting Desire a few years ago that i liked a lot more than I expected to:

http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/ad…
15
just go see it - then tell us about it - I too saw Inviting Desire - came to it completely unaware of the subject matter, just went to a show my kid did the lights for - and i was amazed, entertained, in deep awe of the courage and honesty of the participants. I walked away feeling really proud of the women and beyond entertained - while the audience could participate if they chose, no one was forced - the envelope was pushed, my comfort zone stretched and my admiration well deserved. I will go see this show and I have no doubt I will be laughing a lot - I hope you will go and see the show before you judge it - I daresay you will be happy you did. See you there!
16
IN WHICH A WHOLE BUNCH OF THE FRIENDS OF THE PERFOMER DECIDE TO DOGPILE THE COMMENTS SECTION. LET'S MAKE THIS INTERESTING.

I FIND THE LAZY USE OF ADVICE ANIMAL MEMERY (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/advice-anima…) BY THE PERFORMER IN HER MARKETING MATERIALS TO BE INSIPID AND BANAL. IF THAT'S MEANT TO ENTICE ME IN TO SEEING HER OTHER CREATIVE ACTS, I'D RATHER STAPLE MY SCROTUM TO MY THIGH.
17
The open mic rocked last week. The show is incredible. Go see it. FB info at

https://www.facebook.com/events/3612111972…
18
this Thursday night is Pay What You Can! (followed by a Q&A with Eleanor!
Friday's show is followed by a dance party onstage!
Saturday's show is followed by an Erotic Open-Mic
Sunday's show is a 2-for-1 (if you make your own coupon). Plus free champagne!
19
This show is awesome! I recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy a lovely evening having their mind opened while being made to laugh A LOT. And hey, if you don't like it you can just safe word out ;)

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!
20
I attended Eleanor's show on Valentine's Day with my best girl friend. Going into the show I had zero idea of what to expect. I don’t know Eleanor (though now I wish I did!), I was just looking for a fun, antitypical evening; I was hoping to be entertained.

I was very entertained! But honestly, there is more to this show then being entertained. To see a woman stand alone, for a brief time topless, in front of a room of people and tell a story, in such a raw, intimate voice…my reaction was a range of thoughts and emotions, some of them not of the sexual genre at all.

For me, and my-self professed sexually conservative friend, this was a show that started a great conversation, about people, and the struggle to express what we want and need. The take away message was love. Learning to love others for who they really are, and loving yourself, for who you really are.

On a side note: I was picked from the crowd to be spanked by Eleanor. Now, being spanked in front of a room full of strangers, I will admit was a new, and slightly scary notion. However, like Good Girls' Guide: Dominatrix for Dummies, I have to say-DON’T KNOCK IT, UNTIL YOU TRY IT!!
21
All these posts are COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE!
22
AHHH.... HERE WE GO: http://www.facebook.com/eleanor.c.obrien/p…

YEP, THE SO-CALLED ARTIST INVOLVED WITH THIS SO-CALLED ART SPECIFICALLY ASKS HER FRIENDS TO TRY AND SAY NICE THINGS ABOUT HER SO-CALLED PLAY. BECAUSE FOR SOME REASON SHE BELIEVES THAT THIS WILL INFLUENCE PEOPLE TO THINK POSITIVELY ABOUT HER AND HER SO-CALLED PERFORMANCE PLAY PIECE.

ALSO, CONFIDENTIAL TO O'BRIEN: WHEN TRYING TO FAKE INTERNET IMAGE MACROS; THE CORRECT FONT TO USE IS IMPACT.
23
Jejeje, this Graham guy is upset about community support and font choices. HE HAS THE CAPS-LOCK TO PROVE IT. Such a cute way to waste energy. Thanks for such a quaint reminder of how to be ridiculous. Cheers, ~Banyan
24
Why are you yelling, Graham? There is something for everyone. That's why I like this show. If it looks interesting to you, check it out. If not, no biggie. I respect the artist for going out on a limb.
25
Okay, listen 23 and 24, I know you're probably the same person. But, since you're new and I'm such a nice barely-sentient cup of delicious Del Monte snack food, I'll break it down for you:

Graham always uses caps. Insulting his use of caps just proves you don't know anything about our community. It also proves you likely followed O'Brien's Facebook post to get here. So, even if you had a cogent argument, your brazen ignorance about Blogtown completely invalidates your point.

Also note that no one insulted the show or the content. I think this would be a great show for some people. But for those who DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION, this sounds like one of the rings of Dante's Inferno. Get the eff over yourself.
26
Graham hasn't always used caps.
27
I'm sure if you're really motivated, you can find the last post Graham made without caps. I'm sure it was probably sometime in 2010.
28
Yes, I am a friend of the artist. And yes, I did follow the fb post to get to this blog. And all of the assumptions and judgements about this show on this thread don't tarnish the awe that Eleanor O'Brien inspires in me. When a talented woman puts all of her energy and resources into something she's passionate about, it's a beautiful thing to behold. Take your caps off, dig your face out of your computer screen and see this show if you dare.
29
@OPAL: NO ONE HAS MADE ANY NEGATIVE JUDGMENTS OF THE SHOW ITSELF. SOME PEOPLE HAVE STATED THAT THEY DON'T PARTICULARLY CARE FOR AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION AND THAT THEY DON'T THINK THEY'D ENJOY IT FOR THAT REASON. WHILE IT'S COMMENDABLE THAT YOU WANT TO RALLY TO THE DEFENSE OF YOUR FRIEND AND SHOW THEM ASSHOLES ON THE COMMENTS SECTION OF A SNARKY ALT-WEEKLY'S BLOG THAT THEY'RE WRONG; HOWEVER, YOU'RE DOING IN THE WORST WAY POSSIBLE. IF O'BRIEN REALLY WANTED TO WIN CONVERTS TO HER BRAND OF WHATEVER IT IS SHE DOES, SHE'D OFFER UP A COUPLE PAIRS OF TICKETS TO THE ASSHOLES IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OF THE SNARKY ALT-WEEKLY AND TRY AND MAKE THEM EAT THEIR WORDS (NOT THAT THERE WOULD REALLY BE ANY WORD-EATING TO BE DONE AS NO ONE HAS REALLY DISPARAGED THE SHOW).
30
Well, I sort of disparaged the show by saying it sounded like the opposite of a sexy experience, but that was my opinion. It really is nice that you folks are supportive friends, but if she's great and talented and people love her shows, as you say, then she shouldn't be so threatened by someone on the internet saying they don't want to see her show, and send her Facebook friends to go fight her petty battles.
31
I appreciated the show's willingness to take the conversation of what is usually a taboo subject and bring it out into the open. I wish I was more comfortable with my sexuality and being open to the world, in general. There's an electricity to this show that I've never experienced before. The audience is elevated, not sure if it's by the story, the music, or what, exactly, but it sure seemed to work well the night I went. I also really enjoyed the open mike afterwards. There were some very talented people attracted to do that, and I appreciate their willingness to show themselves. More of this type of theater, please!
32
No, it actually was July 2011.
33
Gold star for you!
34
Aww Graham and Geyser - the gauntlet has been thrown down! Love it. So yes, I'd be happy to offer tickets to both of you at any of the three shows that are left. You're welcome to message me at info@dancenakedproductions.com and let me know when you'd like to come. Caveat though - this is a play, not stand-up comedy. There's sound cues, light cues...timing. So the idea of inviting people who might heckle during the show kind of terrifies me. If you'd be willing to promise to keep your comments to yourself during the show (and uh...maybe not sit together?) I'd really appreciate it. Unleash the on the blog, by all means.

I didn't intend to send friends to fight petty battles - merely provide a counter-balance to what struck me as negative press. I've been waiting for this review to come out - I don't have a big PR budget, and getting reviewed in the Mercury can really help with ticket sales. So to have the first comments after the review be about how unsexy and unappealing the show sounded to you made me anxious. I know audience participation sounds AWFUL. I feel the same way. It totally dredges up memories of unfunny clowns at birthday parties. But it's not really like that. The participation is optional. I mean, no one is forcing you to imagine going down on yourself. It's just kind of a funny idea. And I know that people really enjoy this show. They message me all the time. So I thought I'd invite people to share their actual experience with the show (as opposed to there just being the speculation of terrible).

And as for the meme criticism - I had no clue what a meme was a few weeks ago. I have a creative consultant (ie friend who wants to help me grow my audience) who insisted I do something that would go "viral." So he helped me take one of the characters from my show and turn it into a meme. (It was also his idea that I get a facebook page, twitter account and website). Jury's still out to me as to whether that was a good idea or not. Honestly, I don't spend a lot of time on the internet (other than a facebook addiction). I'm a theater person, and that's where my energy tends to go. Twitter makes my teeth itch. But I just quit my day job to make a living as an artist, and I'm trying to figure out how to make that work. Seems like there are some necessary evils. (I had no idea about IMPACT. Thanks for the tip!) I really hope you won't pre-judge my creative efforts onstage by the meme campaign - verrrry different skill set. You can probably tell from my website (www.dancenakedproductions.com - made on my mac with iweb!) that I am not a techie. But I've been doing theater for a long time, and I can safely say I am MUCH better onstage than online.

But hey- judge for yourself!

I look forward to hearing from you...

XOXO
Eleanor
35
@Eleanor, great answer, and I am taking you up on the offer!. All the great feed back I have heard from friends and on this blog has intrigued me, as has your mature response.
36
i went to the show last night - it was HILARIOUS!!! Although the subject is dominatrix for dummies - to me that was not the message of the show at all - the message of the show was to master the inner critic and love rather than judge or degrade - oneself and others -the audience participation was more fun than scary and no one was made to participate - and 'spanking' is kind of a stretch - more like a slap (one) on the ol bum - although i did get gently 'switched' on the foot for talking back at one point - i guess we don't talk back to doms :) Eleanor's artful telling and acting out the story of one night in dom training was so well done - - she danced gracefully from character to character - including very different accents for several of them - telling the story with an openness and love for her 'student self', for dance , for people and their ways - just go and see the show - it will have you laughing and squirming just a little. Imagine the best love you ever got, or hope to get, and then imagine it is yourself giving it - who is munching on what is not really the point - the point is to direct love to yourself - and receive it willingly and without reservation. Thank you, Eleanor, for your courage, your grace, your vulnerability and willingness to share it - and for the nudge to risk - well done - BRAVO !!!!!
37
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
38
This show was great; raw w/ beauty, horror, halarity & courage. I left feeling as if we'd all just shared an initiation, a little more accepting, human, lovable.
Too bad NewYork, Eleanore is ours!

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