With Stop Hitting Yourself, Austin-based Rude Mechs is embracing the fundamental beliefs underlying late-stage capitalism and indulging in our version of 1930s Hollywood glamour. Part Pygmalion, part Busby Berkley, part self-help lexicon - all while dancing around a queso fountain.

Rude Mechs borrows from the plots of 1930s musicals to dig into the contemporary conservative dilemma: how to honor steely individualism without disavowing the virtue of charity. Tap dancing, fine dining, and the missionary position will be employed in order to help all Americans to stop hitting yourself.

Once a year at the Charity Ball a single worthy cause is selected to benefit from the Queen's annual good deed. Families of note compete to find the citizens most deserving of assistance. This year, a socialite has discovered a wildman in the forest and brings him home to improve him.

The wildman's desire to save the natural world and to bring about an era of love and harmony is a sure winner. Now she must teach him how to eat and dance, how to bow and flatter, how to behave in society so that his cause can be victorious.

Performances will take place in Potter Rose Performance Hall inside Wyly Theatre.