Wholesome, Healing, and Hilarious
In today’s world, we could all use an agony aunt—someone to listen to our struggles. But what if that agony aunt were an Estonian clown, dressed in a black Victorian frock, with a mannequin leg for an arm? Oh, and did I mention there’s a microphone attached to the leg? Enter Julia Masli, a force of nature who approaches you with a simple question: “Problem?”
There’s no escaping this clown as she embarks on a mission to solve not only the audience’s dilemmas but also the world’s. From money woes and boss problems to issues of intimacy or finding purpose, Julia dives deep, often with hilariously absurd results. The show is as interactive as it is ridiculous: socks are burned, a man is crowned the symbol of evil and then showered on stage, and one audience member even writes down their bank details in the hope that others will send them money.
But as wacky as the show gets, it also takes unexpected turns into deep, poignant territory. The mood shifts from uproarious joy to quiet, heartbreaking reflection. At one point, Julia addresses an audience member whose homeland is ravaged by war, creating a solemn moment of shared empathy. As Julia admits her own complicity in the problem, the audience collectively feels the weight of her question: “Why do we do this?” The responses—“Power,” “Because they’re idiots,” “Madness”—hang in the air, as the crowd grapples with the complexities of human conflict.
Julia Masli has crafted a show that is both playful and deeply moving, one that feels like a wild rollercoaster ride and a soul-searching journey at once. From the moment she steps onto the stage in her bicycle helmet, bathed in a small spotlight, she has us all captivated. The show begins with an eerie, hypnotic calm as she encourages the audience to mimic her slow, drawn-out “haaaaa”s. We were mesmerised.
But it’s not just the fun and absurdity that makes this show so special. There’s a rawness and a grit to it that leaves you thinking long after the final curtain. I found myself reflecting on my own problems in comparison to others, and thinking about how, in small ways, I too could help those around me. This show will make you laugh, cry, and, ultimately, put everything into perspective.
Julia Masli is doing an extraordinary job of healing the world, one absurd moment and heartfelt conversation at a time. I’m grateful to have been part of this experience.