KINDER is a unique blend of drag, comedy and theatre, performed and produced by Ryan Stewart under the direction of Tiah Bullock. It is being staged on the Big Belly stage at the Underbelly Cowgate venue.
Through a misunderstanding, drag-clown Goody Prostate discovers with only an hour to spare that rather than the roast battle they thought they’d booked, their upcoming gig is instead at a local library where they are expected to read to a crowd of children. Sent into a panic, Goody rushes to rethink both their look and their act, and in doing so reflects on their own childhood, parents, and the events that led to their current situation.
Stewart is an incredibly talented performer – their acting in KINDER is often chaotic and over the top, leaning into the drag-clown persona. Yet each action is carefully measured and contributes meaningfully to the wider point they are making. They go from leaning into the quips and innuendos to musing more seriously over philosophy and linguistics at the drop of a hat. Beyond their acting, they also showcase their talent for dance with an especially impactful routine consisting of them changing into a costume midway through—fuelled by their anger over people protesting against LGBTQ+ rights.
While it is relentless in its humour, this show uses comedy as a weapon to draw its audience in a plea to take what Goody is saying seriously. Every innuendo is followed by a sincere musing on LGBTQ+ identity and generational protests. Goody is a layered character who begs to be listened to and have their opinion valued in a way that it has not been in the past.
KINDER is a fantastically funny and thought-provoking piece about parenthood, LGBTQ+ identity, protests, and censorship. Its endless quips will keep anyone laughing, and the points made by Goody about reactionary politics will stick with them long after they leave the venue.
