Post by @federicabalbi

Seen at Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the 16^th of August 2024

5 stars – prophetess of hope

ALOK Vaid-Menon’s stage figure is modest and calm. In Hairy Situation, stories and jokes are drawn from various sources of inspiration and touch a series of themes, from the setting of the performance itself, to uncomfortable moments from their life, to eventually land on the topic of body hair. In ALOK’s intersectional research and work, hair has a central role as an object in the social and cultural discourses. Defying the masculine connotation attached to it, ALOK turns it into a way of fighting gender stereotypes on appearance.

In their witty humour, ALOK finds another tool for dismantling preconceptions. They have the incredible ability of playing with words and turning them into irony. The comments of haters as well as the jargons of therapy and of the queer community provide rich material for this transformation, where jokes are delivered with a loving, inclusive smile.

I cannot really understand why this hilarious show, with its polished and clever humour, could be received by a rather quiet audience, except for some people whose laugh I quickly learned to recognise (as probably they did with mine). The rhythm of the jokes was sometimes a little too quick for me, as a non-native speaker of English, and it possibly was for other audience members, too.

As this show once more proves, ALOK is not only a stand-up comedian, but a prophetess of hope for the trans and queer community, as well as for BIPOC communities and people who suffer from mental health problems. When the show was over, I found myself wishing to keep hearing their voice. Good thing they are on social media, streaming platforms, and bookshops.

13th-25th August; 4.10 pm

Running time: 60 minutes

Venue: Underbelly Bristo Square

Tickets and Info: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alok

Website: https://www.alokvmenon.com/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alokvmenon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlokVMenon/