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The Cardiff Giant was one of the greatest hoaxes in American history. In 1869, George Hull had a huge block of gypsum secretly shipped from Iowa to Upstate New York, carved it into the shape of a 10 foot tall man, and buried it on a farm. When it was discovered a year later, it caused a social and scientific uproar, touring the nation for three months as a petrified giant before it was proved to be a hoax.
The show explores the nature of hoaxes: the struggle between our desire for truth and our willingness to believe anything which plays on our fears or our hopes. It takes a humorous look at some of the truths we now consider false, as well techniques people use when they want to convey "the truth", from body language to vocal inflection. Beau Jest has also woven into the Cardiff Giant story the 1950's TV game show scandals, The Gulf War, politicians, the Charles Stuart case, and other contemporary illustrations of people "being had".
"There's a strong feeling of optimism that somehow we'll get it right if we remain skeptical. The show is a gem."
-The Boston Globe
"The scene about the white lies one tells on coming backstage is a honey."
-Boston Herald
"The Cardiff Giant spins some beguiling, paradoxical pirouettes... Boston theater offers more than its fair share of bunk artists, but the Beau Jesters prove, once again, that they're the real thing."
-Boston Phoenix
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