THEATRE

4 Stars

Art Gallery of WA Theatrette

Review: David Erceg

Fringe World is increasingly known for bold, spectacular shows that wow audiences. Easy to miss, but no less special, are quiet, thoughtful productions such as Absolutely, Perth-born performer Allan Girod’s account of his life as “a very large introvert”, rising from the suburbs into the sights and sounds of Cirque du Soleil.

Girod begins his tale by recounting his days spent growing up as a “pasty white nerd”; being snubbed by girls at school dances, and poring over airplane models in the local Toyworld. School was tough for him, and he notes that his initial choice to become a schoolteacher may not have been the greatest idea, given his general fear of ‘talking to people’. He continues through his formative years as a fledgling stage performer after it was suggested he join the local drama club, thus discovering a love of the theatre and a knack for entertaining (though not without some part time job-related mishaps along the way).

Hopeful of the best yet fearful of the worst, Allan and audience board the fast-moving train that is international performance, before eventually being discovered by Cirque du Soleil; “a company chock full of absolute perfectionists” – he recalls his first time trying on his custom-made clown outfit, marveling at the love and passion that went into it’s creation and witnessing hysterical tears of joy from costume designers upon seeing him wearing it.

Girod explores his battle with crippling internal doubt, and more importantly, learning the courage to go outside of one’s comfort zone in search of something better. Girod is a masterful storyteller, showing us his pure humanity throughout, hand-feeding the audience just enough to keep them hooked, before whisking us off onto the next chapter. I was enthralled for the entirety, and would have eagerly stayed for more. It’s shows like this that showcase the spirit of Fringe World — hidden treasures to be cherished by those lucky enough to see them.

Absolutely is a very loving, genuine account of a constrained childhood from which rose a remarkable career and a larger than life persona. The hour will fly before your eyes.

Absolutely runs until Sunday February 13. Tickets available here.