"Theories of Laughter" at Bethlehem Public Library

posted Apr 11, 2017
skidmore professor Beck Krefting

From the jobs-we-didn't-know-existed file: comedy scientist.

That's one of the ways Skidmore professor Beck Krefting describes herself on Twitter. And she'll be talking about her work this Friday, April 14 at the Bethlehem Public Library:

Why do we laugh? What makes something funny? Skidmore professor Beck Krefting presents "Theories of Laughter" ... [the program] will examine the history, theory and function of laughter using contemporary comedy as a backdrop. With examples from the likes of Hari Kondabolu, Maria Bamford, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes, Louis CK, and others, Kreftig will talk about dominant styles of comedy, such as shock humor, self-deprecating humor and contemporary comedic trends.

Here's a clip of Krefting speaking at Skidmore's 2013 commencement. (It's a funny speech.)

Her talk starts Friday at 1 pm. It's free, and part of the library's Coffee and Conversation series.

photo via Beck Krefting website

tags: arts and sciences, stuff to do

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