Some of the best comedy can come from anger, and America’s eight years in the desert of their last President have given Jamie Kilstein a lot to be angry about.
In this show the comic uses his acid tongue to touch on topics from the personal to the political. But he doesn’t just vent randomly, each rant always concludes in a well-timed joke that had the audience chuckling along merrily. Contrary to the name of the show, Kilstein only briefly touches on the topic of religion, preferring to remain mainly in the arena of American politics, and Americans themselves, in all their endlessly strange variety. Indeed, one got the sense that the performer was happy to be in Australia where he could give full rein to his feelings about his country without having to worry about being hassled after the show for being unpatriotic. He even said on multiple occasions, in his classic New York accent: “See, you guys get me.”
Not that you would ever accuse Kilstein of ever holding anything back- the show is very affronting, with no holds barred when on the attack, something the comic is rightfully unapologetic about. As is the case with a lot of left-wing comedians, it did sometimes feel as though he was preaching to the converted. Religious or politically conservative leaning patrons will almost certainly be offended, but are unlikely to be swayed or amused. As for the rest of us, we were left with a sharp, acerbic show by an artist who was both genuine and passionate about his material. More than that, his outward cynicism towards hypocrisy seemed to merely be a manifestation of his own idealism- that things could and should be better, in every country. Yes, he’s angry- but he’s not bitter. It’s not for everyone, but if you have even a passing interest in American political comedy, this comes well recommended.
For more info and booking details go to Jamie Kilstein – There’s No God and That’s OK