Calypso Nights: Juan, Two? is Fringe theatre personified – it’s strange, confusing and shabby-chic, but, if you jump in with both feet, it’s a wicked good time. Although it did not quite live up to the excellent standard set by creator Barnie Duncan’s original Calypso Nights, the sequel is still something to behold and (and to be bewildered by).
This Adelaide Fringe offering is billed as both Comedy and Theatre, but this isn’t quite accurate; in some ways Calypso Nights: Juan, Two? is neither of these, and in some ways it is both of these genres and more. The audience is introduced to Juan Vesuvius (Barnie Duncan), Venezuelan DJ and chutney enthusiast. Vesuvius is nothing if not efficient; in his one-hour show he manages to fit in some eccentric DJ mash-ups (including mixing ABBA classics with Middle Eastern music to create a genre he calls ‘Ali Ab-ABBA’), a strange chutney-fueled psychedelic trip, various eruptions of stand-up-comedy-style banter, and even a stage dive at the end of the show. The mix of music, stand-up, and physical theatre is surprising but effective.
Calypso Nights: Juan, Two? uses a strange, silly brand of humour. While Duncan is occasionally quite witty and is knowledgeable about social issues like the involvement of slavery in banana farming, his dopey manner makes all his comic moments seem like low-brow jokes. But, low-brow or high-brow, it’s impossible to deny that his quirky comedy hits a sweet spot with his audience, who all spent much of the performance in fits of laughter.
Although Juan Vesuvius often seems like a simpleton, it’s obvious that Barnie Duncan is not; it takes a great deal of skill to operate two turntables at once and constantly switch between them while also making jokes about budgie puppets and incest. His outstanding accuracy and timing are particularly evident when he dubs over a storytelling vinyl, changing its subject matter with just a few small changes in wording and some well-timed pausing of the record player.
Fair warning for those who prefer to avoid audience participation – this is not the show for you. The small capacity of the Campanile, paired with the large number of victims/volunteers Duncan requires for his show, means that at least half the audience ends up participating. Before the audience even saw Duncan’s face he had already entreated one spectator up onstage with just a waggling finger through the curtain, and once he had his whole body at his disposal he became even more insistent. Those who were ‘picked on’ seemed to have fun with it, but if you are looking for a quiet night at a show with a thick and sturdy fourth wall, this is not the one for you.
If you can find a friend odd enough to go with you, this is a bizarre, hilarious night out.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Calypso Nights: Juan, Two?
Presented by Peta Spurling-Brown & Theatre Beating
Performed by Barnie Duncan
3-13 March – Garden of Unearthly Delights: Campanile
