The Laughing Warrior Brigade

The Laughing Warrior Brigade is a performance art/protest art troupe operating largely in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. We seek to draw attention to pressing issues while striving to remain moderate in these hyper partisan times. It is our contention that in this age of increased protest and strife it has become far too easy to ignore protestors simply holding signs and shouti

ng, especially if their numbers are small. We aim to use the power of art and theater to put focus on a wide variety of important issues with the ability to pivot topics quickly as these volatile times demand. We attempt to bring around even actions that may seem to be more "Left" or "Right" leaning to desires which are both more universal and more personal : the desire to know that our vote counts, that our voices are being heard. The desire to succeed, to feel secure and know that our children are safe. The desire to get medical care when we need it and for a community that we can be proud of, one with a government that serves the people who elected it. We perform live actions and create pop up public art displays. When not performing our own actions we attend demonstrations run by other organizations as we believe that the fight against injustice anywhere is a fight for justice everywhere. When attending demonstrations run by others we care for those in attendance by providing masks, hand sanitizer, snacks, water and children's activities such as coloring books etc as well as provide medic services and free event security. Second we are committed to de-escalating emotional and potentially violent situations with a particular focus on sectarian and partisan disagreements. We are firm in the belief that this country cannot find resolution to the terrible struggles we are facing until we learn to bridge the vast ideological gap between the Right and the Left. We will not stand idly by while violence is committed by anyone of any ideological bent but we share a particular commitment that anyone who is open to respectful dialog is showing wisdom and bravery. They should be treated with dignity and when such an attempt is made by members of any side of the debate they are deserving of protection. We have seen in action the fact that many of the divides we are suffering are not as cavernous as they first appear in the light of open conversation. It is our hope that we can be a part of facilitating this conversation while preventing more unnecessary violence and police intervention. We also own and operate Mad Century Studios and the House of the Improbable, an oddities museum and public folk art environment in Taylors. The Studios, the House and the surrounding grounds are a fun way to get the community involved in the world of creative play, joy and wonder which is a natural extension of the work we do on the streets. The Studios and the House are always free to visit though donations are gratefully accepted either in cash during your visit or through our Venmo or CashApp $LaughingWarrrior