Earlier this week I read a Toronto Star article about how we tend to regard fast talkers as more intelligent. Apparently the "average adult talks at about 170 to 190 words per minute. But the average central nervous system can only process information at about 120 to 124 words per minute." It seems after the age of 36 our nervous systems slow, making it harder for us to understand swift deliveries and by 70 "we have the listening capabilities of a 3-year-old."
Keeping this in mind, I'm glad I caught The Philanderer at The Shaw Festival today. Ben Carlson's witty performance, delivered at a speed that often falls short of breakneck by only a whisker or two, is delightful. I'd hate to have missed 30% of the dialogue due to a processing lag. And yes, I'm convinced Ben Carlson is as exceedingly clever as he is talented.
Last time we caught Carlson at The Shaw we missed out on the extended version of Man and Superman but this time around we were lucky enough to score a performance of The Philanderer's 'missing act', set a few years after the first three. I hope to see more Shaw plays and more Carlson in the future, all the better if the two go together. Ironically, as time goes by and the less I'm able to keep up with them, the smarter I'll believe them both to be.
Keeping this in mind, I'm glad I caught The Philanderer at The Shaw Festival today. Ben Carlson's witty performance, delivered at a speed that often falls short of breakneck by only a whisker or two, is delightful. I'd hate to have missed 30% of the dialogue due to a processing lag. And yes, I'm convinced Ben Carlson is as exceedingly clever as he is talented.
Last time we caught Carlson at The Shaw we missed out on the extended version of Man and Superman but this time around we were lucky enough to score a performance of The Philanderer's 'missing act', set a few years after the first three. I hope to see more Shaw plays and more Carlson in the future, all the better if the two go together. Ironically, as time goes by and the less I'm able to keep up with them, the smarter I'll believe them both to be.
