At this years’ Sydney Comedy Festival, American performer Ariana and the Rose presents her concept album and one woman show.
Ariana presents her Six Steps of Breaking Up. So not really a variety hour; perhaps a playful parody of our determination to structure Life’s wildness. But I shouldn’t overstate the parody – though Ariana presents these steps with a cheekily exuberant humour, at heart they’re entirely valid pieces of advice, and the show as a whole has a (belly)aching truthfulness. Like a catch up with a caring, fun, and extremely talented friend.
I’ll mention two of Ariana’s steps. (I’ve forgotten which number steps they are.)
Anger. Readers of my site will know how I’ve bemoaned our culture’s current valorisation of rage. But Ariana gives it a sagacious twist. Anger at the person who dumped you allows you to let go, to dismiss what they might think of you, and to be comfortable with the possibility that you’re the bad guy in someone else’s story. And that way freedom lies…
Falling in love again with Life. Though romantic love is one of the great things in Life, it’s hardly the only great thing. Ariana wisely and wittily counsels that you go out and immerse yourself in all the wonders Life has to offer.
Overall, the piece is an exhilarating rejection of regret. Breaking up is painful, but it’s also a terrific opportunity to grow. And there’s nothing Pollyanna-esque about Ariana’s presentation of this vision: she’s fast-talking, sometimes filthy, and always funny.
And each step is accompanied by an original song. The songs are a neat and deliciously varied pop collection (so maybe a variety hour) and Ariana performs them with mesmerising verve.
Paul Gilchrist
The Breakup Variety Hour by Ariana and the Rose
At Enmore Theatre (the Whipbird Wine Bar) until 24 April
As part of the Sydney Comedy Festival
Image supplied
Theatre Red 
Leave a comment