Creating Your Mythology
Since you are in the theatrical business you have a lot of methods of operation available to use. Almost all stories of artists are exaggerated and that is fine when presenting yourself to the public.
The public always has interest in, “What’s your story” type of publicity and so you have the opportunity to give them the story you want.
Years ago when just a teen I use to pal around with a local magician who did a few. I went to many of his shows and tried to work out. Neither one of us thought about creating a story about us.
One day we were building him a box for stage use. He said, “I don't know why I am doing this because I am claustrophobic.” Straightjackets, cuffs and ropes did not bother him but a small closed in area did. It was then he told me about a dream he had on several occasions when he was younger. He was trapped in a cellar hole under an abandoned building and could not get out. I said so your first encounter was years ago in dreams. That’s good use it. Tell the story and say each time I am conquering my fears.
He did this and people loved it and he ended up listening to a lot of dreams that others had. This whole affair was my first realization of creating a story or mythology. Years ago I read a booklet by Cunning the artist. It was his story which was about him growing up in the old days in the wilderness and meeting real out laws of that day. The whole play was on how rugged he was.
Think of what you have to use in your story. In creating your story keep in mind if everyone knows everything about you there is no mystery. Your story in my opinion should be a sketch not a detailed report. Let people get a picture but wonder about details. Think like Special Forces who can take ordinary items and make things that they need from these items.
You can create a story out of almost anything. Backgrounds in martial arts, police work, military, security specialist, locksmiths, actors, explosive experts and stuntman all can be worked into a theatrical story for an artist. So can many more lines of work. It just needs to be interesting and somewhat believable. If I remember correctly artist Leo Irby worked with explosives so he used the “danger is my business” routine.
I talked before how Randi fit his entire body through a tennis racket creating a visual of slipping out of things. The great part was Randi’s thin frame could convince some in the public that he could actually slide through jail bars. This embodies the essence of artistry. As a rule I use the term artist. I have used wizard. I also use Liberationist because it can apply to much more than stage performing. It should fit with how you visualize your story.
Many use Worlds Greatest but no comedian has come forth as the Worlds Worst artist yet that I know of and there should be at least one in every crowed. When I speak of stretching the story I am talking about your story not about making claims you have not done or you cannot do. In one area you need to be more exact but your personal story of why you are an artist is something that can be enhanced. We all have a story and only need to think about what it is and bring it out. The story gives the press something to build on. If you become famous a mythology will follow you so why not make it the one of your choice?
Everything depends on you and what you like and what you can sell. Here is one idea if you want to stretch it and keep everything a mystery. “I was born in a square circle and remained invisible until my teen years. I have no past and my future is being written as I speak and when my story ends I will vanish into the great mystery once again.”
I think an interesting story of creativity and just creating stories from nowhere is the life of Ferdinand Waldo Demara “The Great Imposter.” He was a master story teller and extraordinary actor.
If you want others to believe your story you must believe it as much as an actor can if you are adding in fiction. I believe your story should always contain a big act that you plan to do. When you talk to the press build up the stunt you want to do because you never know who will read it and you may get a chance to do it.
-N. Bigelow
