Esther Ouray

Esther's Arts on Chicago Project »

Esther Ouray is a neighborhood independent performing and teaching artist and lives in Central neighborhood. She is also an associate artist with In the Heart of the Beast Theatre. Additionally, Esther is a yoga instructor and massage therapist.

Artist Statement

Laughter is primarily a form of communication. Most often it is not a response to humor. This is not a project about humor. My seven month old grandson simply looks at me and laughs; laughter connects people to each other on a very basic level. Similar to death, it is a Great Equalizer. No one laughs more skillfully than another. Access to laughter is free and available to all regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, gender, wealth. Nonverbal, collective well guided laughter exercises and play induce a simple and essential place in our being. More commonly, artistic endeavors illuminate stories, identity, ideas, but nonverbal laughter can disassociate us from story and language, allowing a unique experience of connection and right brained activity. Almost magically, sustained laughter can unlock the flow of a wellspring of joy inherent in each and every person.

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• David Luke