Comments on: Laughter Is Sacred Space: The Not-so-Typical Journey of a Mennonite Actor

By: Rich Troyer

Rich Troyer — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:59:26 +0000

Laughter is the best medicine It was a book I couldn’t put down and one I of the few books I have ever read cover to cover in one day. I was partly drawn in by a familiarity with the story, I had been a fan of the comedy duo Ted and Lee for a long time and have had several occasions to talk with Ted since Lee’s death, but perhaps even more engaging was the stark reality with which Ted tells his story. There were no simple truths, no sugary sweet moralization, no Sunday school answers to life’s most difficult questions, and no suggestion that everything in your life will be alright if you trust in God. Ted reveals the depth of pain, the anger, and frustration he felt at Lee’s death which juxtaposes against the humor they shared with so many around this country. He shares his crisis of faith and depression unabashedly and the discovery that even in our worst moments of life laughter can be sacred space, laughter can bring us before God and it can bring healing to our lives. Thanks for sharing this story with us.

By: Amy Yoder McGloughlin

Amy Yoder McGloughlin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:52:03 +0000

Sacred Space, on and off the stage. Ted Swartz, a first time book author, is not unaccustomed to writing. He has simply transferred his skills from the stage to the page.I read the book in one sitting. I was fascinated by Ted’s life. It’s not a glamorous life–he did not paint his family life and life on the road as idyllic, but as real, thoughtful, and very human. Ted wove his work–his characters and sketches, written with and without Lee–into his writing. It was a reminder that our life and work all intersect, sometimes more personally than we like.In Laughter is Sacred Space, Ted opens up about his relationship with former acting and business partner, Lee Eshelman. Ted and Lee’s relationship seemed as much like a brother or marriage partner as it did a business and acting partner. It was a beautiful, fraught relationship, full of things left unsaid. I could relate to this relationship–pieces of it look like my marriage, my sibling relationship, and the dynamics with my closest friends.As I read the book, I could hear Ted’s voice, his inflections, even his laugh come through. It was like reading a book of David Sedaris’ short stories–they are good, even if you don’t know what his voice sounds like, but knowing the author’s voice enhances the experience.The chapters were short, reflecting Ted’s self-described personality, temperament, and ADD tendencies. Because of these short chapters, the reader is left to wonder what the point is. But, just like Ted’s sketch comedy, the pieces come together. What you think is superfluous become essential and pivotal information later.I did have a few issues with the book. First, the publisher (I assume) bleeped out the curse words, creating a puritanical feel. Given the nature of the book, I’d assume that the targeted audience is adults. We all (even me, a pastor) say the words. We know what’s being said. It is not necessary to replace the “bad words” with asterisks.I worry that the book will not get read outside of the Mennonite community. The book’s subtitle, “The not so typical journey of a Mennonite actor” could limit the audience, which would be too bad. This is more than a memoir of a Mennonite actor; it’s the memoir of a actor, writer and Christian, and it address issues of faith, doubt, friendship and mental health.I appreciate Ted’s openness and honesty, sharing a difficult story, and his journey to a new place in his life and career.

By: B. Wideman

B. Wideman — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:21:20 +0000

Deep Meaning in Sacred Laughter My wife and I read this book just days after the funeral for our stillborn daughter. It turned out to be an incredible blessing during this time of sadness and grief.I found myself totally wrapped up with Ted Swartz's ability to write in such an authentic way. He brings his reader in to some of the most vulnerable moments of his life, and my wife and I worked through our own grief and loss, it was incredibly cathartic.It took me only a few days to finish reading, and I just needed to extend my thanks to the author.Thank you for inviting us to experience your pain and joy. Thank you for illuminating subjects and moments that are often left in the darkness. Thank you for creating something that people can resonate with in deep and meaningful ways.It means a lot.