Last night, I saw The Happiness Gym, at the Mixed Blood with two good friends. On paper, it’s not my cup of tea but my buddy Katy Vernon strongly recommended it. It’s not a play in the traditional sense. It’s not even an immersive performance. It’s a personal happiness exercise born of community connection and gratitude.
Here’s how The Mixed Blood explained it:
Joy is a radical act.
Driven by scientific research into what promotes happiness, audiences will be guided through exercises that focus on good news, gratitude, and connection.
You do have to talk to the people next to you. You won’t necessarily be sitting with the people you came with – but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to game the seating if that’s a huge concern. Also you don’t have to share anything with the crowd. In fact, no one gets to take the stage to share aloud, which means no one can monopolize the space. I’m pretty introverted in a crowd situation and I felt comfortable pretty quickly.
The performers lead the audience through exercises that increase happiness. It feels like they gave us a bunch of life hacks. The first life hack, is don’t seek happiness alone. That’s like planning to go to the gym by yourself for a new routine. Much better to find a buddy to make it fun and hold you accountable.
Granted, it’s been 12 hours since the show ended but I think I will take some of the hacks on board. And I’m glad I was there with friends! I mean we’re going to laugh about the life hacks, but we’re also going to use them.
This is the last weekend, but if you have the time and/or the need, be sure to check in out!
Mostly Minnesota 