Last summer, as I was driving in my car listening to NPR, I happened to catch this fantastic interview with playwright Neil LaBute. At that time, I was just putting the finishing touches on my about-to-be-released book on how mothers shape the body image of their daughters and I'll admit I was so captivated, I almost had to pull over. As chance would have it, LaBute's play, Reasons to Be Pretty, is about to open on Broadway and since I'll be in New York in a few more weeks, I'm really hoping I can talk someone into seeing it with me.
Check out the hilarious video on body image at the play's Web site. My favorite line? The guy -- who when asked if he would wear a thong in public -- said basically that it "depends on the neighborhood." It's funny, sure, but the video is also an intriguing little glimpse into just how pervasive body image concerns are -- among both women and men.
P.S. On an entirely different note, check out the Publishers Weekly review of my book (scroll down through the reviews to the Parenting section to find it).
That is a GREAT video! Neil Labute had another shoe Off-Broadway about (I believe) a man dating a heavy woman. He also had a film about a man who is "made over" by his girlfriend as a sociology project.
If I still lived in New York, I'd TOTALLY go seer this with you!!!
Posted by: Alyssa | 03/16/2009 at 02:23 PM
OK, I meant Neil Labute had another "show," not "shoe." I sound like Ed Sullivan!
Posted by: Alyssa | 03/16/2009 at 02:24 PM
I'd be there in a second to see the show with you, it sounds awesome. Also hurray for getting book reviews!
PS Check out this post: http://livinghealthyintherealworld.wordpress.com/2009/03/13/day-six-of-the-sugar-challenge/#comments
:)
Posted by: Sagan | 03/16/2009 at 07:33 PM
Thanks, Sagan, for the shout-out. That was really sweet of you!
Alyssa, you crack me up -- as always! Think of the discussion we could have after seeing that play :-).
Posted by: Dara Chadwick | 03/18/2009 at 05:53 AM