Review of “Laughter is Sacred Space” by Ted Swartz

Ted Swartz, a first time book author, is not unaccustomed to writing. He has simply transferred his skills from the stage to the page.

I read the book in one sitting. I was fascinated by Ted’s life. It’s not a glamorous life–he did not paint his family life and life on the road as idyllic, but as real, thoughtful, and very human. Ted wove his work–his characters and sketches, written with and without Lee–into his writing. It was a reminder that our life and work all intersect, sometimes more personally than we like.

In Laughter is Sacred Space, Ted opens up about his relationship with former acting and business partner, Lee Eshelman. Ted and Lee’s relationship seemed as much like a brother or marriage partner as it did a business and acting partner. It was a beautiful, fraught relationship, full of things left unsaid. I could relate to this relationship–pieces of it look like my marriage, my sibling relationship, and the dynamics with my closest friends.

As I read the book, I could hear Ted’s voice, his inflections, even his laugh come through. It was like reading a book of David Sedaris’ short stories–they are good, even if you don’t know what his voice sounds like, but knowing the author’s voice enhances the experience.

The chapters were short, reflecting Ted’s self-described personality, temperament, and ADD tendencies. Because of these short chapters, the reader is left to wonder what the point is. But, just like Ted’s sketch comedy, the pieces come together. What you think is superfluous become essential and pivotal information later.

I did have a few issues with the book. First, the publisher (I assume) bleeped out the curse words, creating a puritanical feel. Given the nature of the book, I’d assume that the targeted audience is adults. We all (even me, a pastor) say the words. We know what’s being said. It is not necessary to replace the “bad words” with asterisks.

I worry that the book will not get read outside of the Mennonite community. The book’s subtitle, “The not so typical journey of a Mennonite actor” could limit the audience, which would be too bad. This is more than a memoir of a Mennonite actor; it’s the memoir of a actor, writer and Christian, and it address issues of faith, doubt, friendship and mental health.

I appreciate Ted’s openness and honesty, sharing a difficult story, and his journey to a new place in his life and career.