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June 21, 2006
Daniel Kitson's "Stories for the Wobbly Hearted" @ 59E59 Theaters - 6.20.6
By: Keith Huang
At no point in Daniel Kitson's hour-long performance, "Stories for the Wobbly Hearted," do we clearly see his face. Yet even in dim light, Kitson's visage is easily caricatured: scruffy beard, shaggy Dutch Boy hair and eyeball-magnifying glasses. On a sparsely decorated set that seats about 40, Kitson, mostly cloaked in shadow, slumps comfortably in an old leather armchair, a light dangling above him and old TV sets stacked at his sides. Somehow it is immediately apparent that this is how "Stories," which mostly comprises intimate tales of loneliness and the search for one's soulmate, should be seen. "Stories" has been running since last Tuesday at the 59E59 theater in midtown.
In his show, Kitson does not necessarily tell side-splitting yarns; rather, to witness his storytelling craft is to experience a comedic performer's dedicated re-invention of self. A longtime standup comedian, Kitson, 29, is not yet famous in the U.S., but is already something of a comedy statesman in Great Britain, having won the coveted Perrier Award at 24.
Comedian David Cross, who was in attendance Tuesday night, half-jokingly commented to the Apiary about the show: "I was at once, impressed, jealous, emotional, moved, made to feel younger, made to feel older. I found it very provocative. It made me afraid of snakes again." When asked if anything in "Stories" necessarily spoke to him, Cross continued to crack wise: "There's an underlying anti-Semitism to it that I found adorable. Surprisingly adorable."
Keith Huang (keith@gelfmagazine) is a regular contributor to Gelf Magazine and hopes to have more information about (and from) Daniel Kitson soon. If you're interested in catching this show, student rush tickets ($15) are recommended. Show up at the box office about 15 minutes before showtime and flash a student-like I.D.
Daniel Kitson on Wikipedia
Daniel Kitson: The Official Website
Posted by The Apiary at June 21, 2006 2:06 PM
Comments
i saw and hung with kitson in melbourne at the comedy festival and his introspective attention holding style is truly unique and amazing.
see him. and think. and laugh.
freestyle love supreme and he battled at a late night gig (he challenged us) and aside from us detroying him, his meandering beard-like antics make you think and ponder life with a smirk and a "huh" while nodding your head.
i gave him my cd and he mocked me in a loving way.
and i still adore him, that's how cool he is.
Posted by: shockwave at June 21, 2006 9:37 PM
I would sacrifice my left testicle to see Mr. Kitson perform stand-up or one of his storytelling shows. Unfortunately, my left testicle is in Minneapolis with the rest of me -- and a plane ticket to NY, on top of all other associated costs, means that I will miss my opportunity. If you love me like I think you do, you will attend this man's show.
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Posted by: Matt at October 16, 2008 6:10 PM