Hedgehog Humour by Linh
Felicity Ward has endured loneliness, love, depression and alcoholism, but has risen above the emotional and mental mess thanks to her discovery and understanding of ‘The Hedgehog Dilemma’. The hedgehog has been used by philosophers and psychoanalysts to explain the nature of human behaviour and social interaction in certain prickly situations, in particular ‘The Hedgehog Dilemma’.
In Ward’s case, this analogy forms the basis of her new hour-long show, unravelling the complexities of being in a long-term relationship. ‘The Hedgehog Dilemma’ derived from German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer’s analogy, which describes a situation where a group of hedgehogs have to come close to one another to share warmth during a cold winter. However, with sharp spines on their backs, they might hurt each other if they get too close. This is an analogy about the challenges of human intimacy between individuals in personal relationships. Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud later quoted Schopenhauer’s analogy in the footnote of an essay in 1921.
Ward utilises Schopenhauer’s analogy effectively and parallels her experiences in relationships with that of a hedgehog who avoids becoming too close or involved with someone, for fear of experiencing another possibly painful experience she endured in the past. Ward expresses her hedgehog ways with references to her family members, former lovers and a hilarious session in therapy. She keeps the audience in curious awe with her quick change of clothes, possibly to reflect a moment of an ‘old self’ whom she has shed and left behind; a menagerie of animals including pandas, chameleons, echidnas, porcupines are shown on a large screen monitor in relation to how intimacy works in the animal kingdom; props that represent a turning point in her life and were catalysts for change.
Other highlights include a riotous song set to the tune of ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ from the musical Mary Poppins; the audience participation segment of how not to flirt and what to avoid saying when flirting.
The Hedgehog Dilemma is a show audiences can relate to, as many of us have been in relationships, experienced heartbreak and devastation in failed relationships and have come out of the experience feeling emotionally/mentally stronger if not wiser. Ward is delightful, charming, and engaging with her share of relationship dilemmas, and her honesty brings on empathy as well as laughs. A highly entertaining and informative hour of laughs.
Felicity Ward co-stars in the latest film by Working Dog Productions called Any Questions For Ben? currently screening in cinemas.
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Felicity Ward
Who: Felicity Ward
What: The Hedgehog Dilemma – stand-up comedy, audience participation, singing
Where: Le Cascadeur in The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: No shows on Mondays
All shows start at 8:30pm
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 February
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 March
Price: $25; Concession and Cheap Tuesday shows $20
Running Time: 1 hour
Bookings at FringeTix - 1300 FRINGE (1300 374 643) or www.adelaidefringe.com.au
The Warehouse Comedy Festival on ABC2: Felicity Ward
