Roderick Russell is a performing artist specializing in the small and unusual fields of sword swallowing and mentalism, a form of psychological illusion that encourages high levels of interaction with his audience.
A long-time student of philosophy, he has both an educational and professional background in the field which he often incorporates into his performances. His work is also informed by his love of music and literature, influences that are never far from his presentations.
A lifetime pursuit of the understanding and nature of consciousness, perception and human experience has led Roderick to study varied arts such as fire eating, fire walking, escape art, sword swallowing and hypnosis – techniques from which he utilizes on stage.
Roderick performs nationally and internationally, has been seen in and been the subject of several documentaries produced by the Discovery Channel and has appeared on the Travel Channel, CNN, NPR, MTV and in Maxim Magazine. Roderick has also worked with Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, who declared him one of the world’s most bizarre and eccentric people.
What can one expect from an artist who swallows swords while dancing a tango, literally paints pictures on-stage of private thoughts that the audience is only thinking and tackles topics such as media manipulation, government conspiracy and modern art? A wild, off-beat and provocative evening that will leave you questioning your most basic assumptions.
Roderick Russell’s latest work blends his highly unique talents - from sword swallowing to thought reading - with dance, spoken word and interactive theater.
Part culture-jamming socio-political commentary, part interactive mind-bender, world-record holding sword swallower Roderick Russell shifts from seriousness to satire, from highfalutin to farce and back again in this eclectic exploration of everything from high society to what you ate for dinner last night.
National Public Radio says that it’s “the strangest...event of the month, and perhaps the weirdest of the rest of the year”. A bold, risky show - but what else would you expect from a sword swallower?