Trigger Warning

by Marc Paykuss

Just before a comedian is about to perform at a college, its student advisory panel confronts him on the appropriateness of his material.

Just before a comedian is about to perform at a college, its student advisory panel confronts him on the appropriateness of his material.

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Trigger Warning

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  • John Busser: Trigger Warning

    Extremely interesting piece that should be staged if only to have audiences take pause to look at how their reactions can be just as triggering as the material of the standup comic in question. One of the functions of humor is to poke holes and expose the absurdity of our lives. But some poking can irritate as well as illuminate. At what point can personal offense be wielded as a weapon against those they oppose? Marc Paykuss imagines a very real answer here, and it isn't pretty.

    Extremely interesting piece that should be staged if only to have audiences take pause to look at how their reactions can be just as triggering as the material of the standup comic in question. One of the functions of humor is to poke holes and expose the absurdity of our lives. But some poking can irritate as well as illuminate. At what point can personal offense be wielded as a weapon against those they oppose? Marc Paykuss imagines a very real answer here, and it isn't pretty.

  • Michele Miller: Trigger Warning

    Marc Paykuss' play Trigger Warning reminds us that there is only a hairline between humor and offense. And sometimes we have to truly listen to one another to understand both.

    Marc Paykuss' play Trigger Warning reminds us that there is only a hairline between humor and offense. And sometimes we have to truly listen to one another to understand both.

  • Morey Norkin: Trigger Warning

    Marc Paykuss takes an unflinching look at today’s college culture that attempts to shield students from speech (from guest speakers, entertainers, etc.) that may be upsetting. Art, in the case of this play stand-up comedy, has a point of view. It’s not intended to be neutral. Some people will be offended. But they have a choice whether to consume it. TRIGGER WARNING will certainly promote discussion, but only if theater groups actually believe that’s what good theater is about.

    Marc Paykuss takes an unflinching look at today’s college culture that attempts to shield students from speech (from guest speakers, entertainers, etc.) that may be upsetting. Art, in the case of this play stand-up comedy, has a point of view. It’s not intended to be neutral. Some people will be offended. But they have a choice whether to consume it. TRIGGER WARNING will certainly promote discussion, but only if theater groups actually believe that’s what good theater is about.

View all 4 recommendations