Let's Talk About Sets! Bonus Episode 001 – Ben Rosenfeld
Apr 23, 2016
Ben Rosenfeld, stand-up comedian and author of Russian Optimism, brings dark humor and sharp comic analysis. He discusses George Carlin and David Cross, performs Russian nursery-rhyme bits, and traces how his misanthropic voice developed. Conversation covers crafting fear-based material, refining punchlines, stage persona, and using audience expectations for surprise.
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Language As a Tool To Expose Power
- Ben and Jeff highlight George Carlin's ability to turn political rhetoric into sharp wordplay and memorable imagery.
- Carlin separates politicians from the true "owners" and uses language to expose systemic manipulation.
Dark Russian Nursery Rhymes
- Ben recounts Russian nursery rhymes his father told him that are darkly humorous and subversive.
- He turned thirty of these rhymes into a book and uses them onstage as a device to explain his worldview.
Ease Audiences Into Foreign Material
- Ben eases audiences into the Russian material by starting with a short rhyme to establish credibility.
- Then he spaces longer translations and adds physical gestures to keep rhythm and comprehension.