As Johnny emerged from the wings, trousers sagged, pockets full of mint imperials, and a towel slung around his shoulders — he’s ‘just been to the gym,’ don’t you know — I knew I was in for a treat. Tessa Parr’s I AM JOHNNY is a hilarious and poignant examination of gender performance. Parr herself in drag plays Johnny, which drives home the inherent absurdity of the macho-masculine persona that he represents.
Somewhat surprisingly, considering his laddish character, Johnny has recently taken up spoken word poetry, and the bulk of the performance is delivered in this form. These poems are some of the funniest writings I have heard at the Fringe so far. From their perfect timing and delivery, to the frankly ludicrous content, the whole audience was in stitches.
These poetry readings are, of course, punctuated by sudden beatboxing performances, or by Johnny bench pressing a chair, and whilst the whole thing clearly pokes fun at modern ‘masculinity,’ there is no resentment in this commentary. Johnny somehow still comes off as oddly lovable.
Parr’s performance is utterly captivating. The fluidity with which she switches between different characters and completely embodies each one, is commendable. In one of Johnny’s poems, his mother tells him that she is going to eat her handbag. I was instantly prepared to continue laughing, as had been the case up until that point. However, as Parr launched into her monologue as Johnny’s mum, an uncanny smile spread across her face, and her previously exaggerated mannerisms ceased. I was hit by a moving poem about how women are conditioned to crave validation and will do anything to feel seen. I am still in awe of how a poem about a woman trying to eat her handbag could be so hauntingly powerful.
This satire is not only riotously funny and strangely moving, but also an intelligent think piece which reminds us that even as audience members, we are all constantly performing.
I AM JOHNNY is running until 31 August (excluding 17 and 24) at The Red Lecture Theatre at Summerhall. Buy tickets here.
Image provided as press material.
