Russell Taylor Brings Absurdist Comedy to Detroit

Detroit-based Russell Taylor brings a unique view of comedy whenever performing as his character, Satori Circus. Taylor holds a full-time position as manager of the marketing firm Gyro, but, during his free time, he performs as his character. With a face painted completely white, Taylor plays along with the audience, copying their reactions to his comedic performance about his childhood.

The Detroit News spoke to Taylor, who explains the basis for his characters name. "Taylor based his character's name on a song by the band Bauhaus, "Kicked in the Eye," a reference to Jack Kerouac's book "Satori in Paris." In it, Kerouac likens the "sudden illumination" or spiritual awakening of the Zen Buddhist experience of satori to a "kick in the eye," something that appealed to Taylor twenty-some years ago." Taylor goes on to explain that his hometown was always a bit of a "circus", which fit perfectly for the character's surname.

Taylor has performed throughout the Detroit area, including, most recently, Art Detroit Now, where he visited six different locations throughout the city to perform his act.

For the full article about Satori Circus in the Detroit News, click here.