[NoHo Arts District, CA] – Impalement artist Cyrus Pynn’s show Down the Hatch: Tale of a Sword Swallower is at Whitefire Theatre as part of their tremendous Solofest series.
The show is on Friday, January 13 – what a fabulously poignant date for such a thrilling and potentially life-threatening show!
We had some questions for Cyrus, and I’m sure we are all very curious about sword swallowing and how someone makes a choice to put themselves in harm’s way on a regular basis as part of this highly entertaining and ancient art form.
Hi Cyrus, we are really looking forward to your show on January 13th.
How did you become a sword swallower?
How I became a sword swallower is I taught myself from scratch. Why I became a sword swallower is what the show is all about.
Have you ever been injured?
Yes, I have. A few minor incidents and one major one. An experience I go into during the show. They say there are two kinds of sword swallowers. The ones who have hurt themselves and the ones who are new.
This art has been practiced for thousands of years is the history of its practice important to you and your act?
The history of the practice defines the importance of the performance. More specifically how and why sword swallowing is performed for the audience to appreciate a seemingly impossible feat happening right before their eyes.
What myths about sword swallowing would you like to dispel?
The most important myth, it is not a magic trick. There are no secrets to how it is done. I’ll say time and time again; it’s not a question of how it is done, it is a question of why.
What would you like your audience to take away from your show?
An appreciation of fear and the importance of it in what we do in life. Do we let it control us or do we use it to our advantage?
Who are some of your favorite sword-swallowing legends and why?
One in particular is the man who inspired me, Johnny Fox. I grew up watching him perform and wasn’t only inspired by his sword swallowing, but his showmanship.
Other sword-swallowing legends notable for their showmanship are Captain Don Leslie and Melvin Burkhart.
Is there a big sword-swallowing scene in L.A.?
Not very. There are only a couple of us in L.A. performing in burlesque shows, clubs and private events. I personally get the majority of my work out of state performing at Renaissance festivals.
What would you like your audience to know before they see Down the Hatch: Tale of a Sword Swallower?
Every feat or “trick” you see performed in this show is real. Some may shock, others will amaze, none will be forgotten. To witness a show like this is extremely rare, and any questions or curiosities you have will be answered.
Wow! Thank you so much Cyrus! Now I really need to see your show!
You can find out more about Cyrus and his wild sword swallowing here: https://www.cyruspynn.com/
When:
Down the Hatch: Tale of a Sword Swallower has a one-night-only performance on Friday, January 13th at 8pm.
What better way to spend such an ominous and supernatural night!
Tickets:
Down the Hatch: Tale of a Sword Swallower
Where:
Whitefire Theatre Solofest
13500 Ventura Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 91423