I searched the Café' but didn't see this video posted for discussion. It was posted to youtube today so I'm sure most haven't seen the video yet. In any event, I'm sure everyone will agree the heckler was clearly wrong, violating the performers personal and working space. That said, while the performer used great restraint, and for the most part, remained in character tolerating the disruption longer than most I've seen in similar situations - in the end he crossed the line and hit the heckler. What would you have done and what would you recommend to new performers who find themselves in similar situations? I thought I'd post this as a learning/educational tool for those new to the sidewalk. Hopefully this thread is in the correct forum.

I've been present during a similar situation, and the statue-performer was taken away by the police.

Don't mess with a Queenslander.

Wow, interesting video. I don't know about the world of statue performing, but surely it would have been better to break character and tell the guy to get lost or escort him from the performing area, rather than to react violently? I don't even mean because I personally am a very non-violent person, but I mean in terms of the guy's show -wouldn't you loose all respect from your audience if you react violently like that?

I saw this video the other day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-HrRvOG9Pc , it made me feel really uncomfortable. I get that the guy probably didn't mean to actually kick her, but wow, talk about over reacting? She put a peg in his hat. Not a big deal. Buy reacting like that, he really looks like a jerk.

Perhaps the thing to take from this is that as magicians, we have a real advantage in the way we can respond to hecklers. By contrast, I used to busk as a one man band, and it was really difficult to do anything about hecklers etc. A few times, people have stolen money from my hat, and I thought it best simply to let them get away with it, rather than stopping my show and ruining it for all of the people watching me. Not to mention it would make me look very uptight if I stop mid-song and chase a guy down for a few quid.

In both videos the spectators got what they deserve.

They definitely deserved it! Not sure if that means the performers were right to do it though.

Although, the statue has got 1,000,000 views in one day. That's pretty awesome... perhaps he was right to punch him. I like that he restrains himself for a long time, before the spectator really crosses a line by touching his face like that.

Sorry dude, no. The only time physical assault is justified is when you are either physically assaulted or in direct fear of being physically assaulted. (Mind you, I haven't watched either video. If the "jerks" in question can be shown to have been physically assaulting the busker, then I recant my point.)

It's interesting Ed, the first guy isn't violent to the performer, but his behaviour goes further than just 'heckling' or 'being annoying' - at one point he puts his finger in his mouth then appears to stick it in the performer's ear. Now that's pretty disgusting, even if it isn't quite physical assault.

Here's a thought: The 'heckler' is a stooge, this is part of his act, now the guy has got one million views on YouTube just like he wanted. What do you reckon? Now that would be bloody smart.

Look up battery.

Sorry I disagree. I don't care who you are if you put your hands on me no matter if it is a "wet willie" or not I consider that to be assault and to me the punch was justified. The second video the woman could have been considered to be stealing with that closepin. The performer didn't actually kick her just scared her good.

I agree.

But, the law for that particular area would trump our personal feelings.

The first video the guy was drunk and harassing. A good punch in the face was needed, even if you went to jail for it. I miss the 1960's.

Good on you Zombie I agree.

On the news it was mentioned that a complaint hadn't been forwarded to the police .

The guy who received the punch was probably too embarrassed after being hit by a statue.

Dude deserved pistol whipped. I gaurentee that if you stick your slimy spit covered finger in my ear, you will get more than 1 pop in the face. when a perp spits on a police officer he can (and usually is) charged with assault with a bodily fluid. He was therefore provoked and acted in self defense. Good for him and even better that he was able to restrain to one punch, I know I wouldnt have.

The thing is mime artist get crap happening to them all the time! How many times are you going to punch out? This part of job discription your going to be tested weekly if not daily!

Agreed. Unwelcome physical contact can be considered "provocative behavior" and seen as a justification for retaliation. I did't mean to imply that you can only hit someone who's hitting you.

I've been seeing more statues standing on boxes during their act. This might be part of the reason why.

The only thing I would have done differently is I would have hit the guy much harder.

:applause:

Update...busker cleared to continue busking...

http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/nation......610.html

I think hitting out as a first option is always a bad thing. The guy was being a prick, agreed, but why not simply break character and have a harsh word with him first? Violence shouldn't be the first response.