Faboriginal Show
Steven Oliver performs to the converted. His Bigger & Blacker audience already seem to know the jokes and the songs. As well they should, Oliver is one talented performer/songwriter/chanteur and, dare I say, tap-dancer.
If you don’t know Oliver, then you’re in for a treat. First, he’s a descendant of the Kuku-Yalanji, Waanyi, Gangalidda, Woppaburra, Bundjalung and Biripi peoples. And he’s gay—in his own words he’s a “minority of a minority”. You might know him from his SBS Faboriginal game show, or his contributions to ABC’s Black Comedy, perhaps you glimpsed him as Cousin Carlo with Chris Hemsworth in Thor: Ragnarok? Arguably the best way to introduce yourself to this multitalented, award-winning poet is via his documentary Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky and The Feed’s interview with him (available on YouTube). Once you’re primed, you will understand why the audience will roar at his signature phrases “slut” etc.
Bigger & Blacker showcases Oliver’s talent as a songwriter—his songs are political, heartfelt, poetic and funny. Yes, it’s quite a combination and sometimes he manages to combine all in one captivating story-song. And he crosses genres too: ballad, tick; blues, tick; pop, tick; rap, tick, tick, tick. Rap is really THE genre to meld poetry and rhyme to the political. And ability—have you ever tried the rapid-fire delivery of rap? It ain’t easy.
Oliver’s performance is beguiling – newbies, you will love him by the end of the show. He reminds us of the struggles of the injustices and struggles of the indigenous peoples. He minces and preens, he poses and struts. And the audience loves it. How could you not?
Steven Oliver is a sexy man. A very funny talented sexy man.
Bigger & Blacker
Steven Oliver (with Michael Griffiths on piano)
La Boite Theatre, Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove. Performances – 8-27 March, 70 minutes
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