REVIEW: OBJECT OF STRANGENESS

Half Guyanese, half Portuguese, comedian Gavin Stephens navigates the complexities of race, culture, and societal change, all while searching for where he truly belongs in this evolving landscape.

The solo show opens in the dark with a poetic rap that sets the tone for the piece: rapid fire commentary, biting humour and makes you sit and LISTEN. There are very pointed illusions to class structures and race inequality throughout and as Stephens takes the stage, the tone shifts to one of the best non-sequiter starters I have witnessed in ages.

Stephens guides us with well-timed, carefully thought out segments of his childhood, mental health, living in Hamilton and surviving the pandemic. There’s plenty of explorations regarding living under capitalism, growing older (and getting really into park benches) and his experience of being a Black man living in North America. One of the best moments comes from Stephens “angry white people merch” segment. The laughter from the audience was riotous. All of these segments allow for plenty of laughs, relatability and, most importantly, demanding that the audience really think about these subjects.

This show is a highlight of the Hamilton Fringe Festival and is well-worth checking out. I hope to follow more of Stephens and his observational comedic commentary that is richly delivered and hilariously relevant. Only two performances left. Don’t miss it.

Please Note: The Bright Room at The Staircase is only accessible by use of stairs.