User:Blunastella/sandbox

William Lee or "Master Lee" born (March 30th 1965) is a legendary street performer, juggler, Kung Fu Comic, and storyteller. He is the co founder of Talking Stick. William Lee, has been a fixture in New York City's Village for over 20 years. He started doing street shows in Washington Square Park when he was in college, first as a juggler, then as a kung-fu comic incorporating jokes, fire tricks, and martial arts. Thousands of NYU students, drug dealers, tourists, and neighborhood grifters undoubtedly remember his immortal words: “Ladies and gentlemen! I, Master Lee, will break this board” (dramatic pause) “with my HEAD. But first!”

For five years he did standup in comedy clubs, garnering spots on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Showtime at the Apollo.

He immersed himself in the alternative comedy scene on the Lower East Side, especially Faceboy’s Open Mic and Reverend Jen’s Anti-Slam. In these free-for-all art spaces, he took creative risks that were impossible in street shows or comedy clubs. He experimented with playwrighting and created new performance characters, the boldest and strangest being a uber-surrealist Salvador Dali who pulled fish out of his pants and played kickball with squid to the delight of alt-comedy audiences.

William Lee and Mr. Rick Patrick started Talkingstick in 2002, a suite of truth-based storytelling shows that now include a booked show for polished acts, an open forum where anyone can participate, and a monthly event at the Rubin Museum of Himalayan art, where museum guides and seasoned performers riff on the artworks as part of a short guided tour.