The basic intention for Nelly Thomas’ Pleasantly Furious is that, despite an overriding negativity, we’d relish hearing about what pisses her off. There was a slight hitch, however, because a fair portion of what she discussed cut a little too deep. It was certainly an amusing show, but not first-and-foremost.
Essentially, Thomas illuminated a range of deplorable issues in contemporary Australia. This included (but wasn’t limited to) horrible abuse of asylum seekers, Labor and Liberal’s superior focus on business and a ghastly prevalence of both racism and misogyny. Thomas presented these problems in an easily accessible and recognisable way and the whole performance had a pedagogical undercurrent. But as the depressing truth compounded it inevitably began to encroach upon the humour.
This might sound like the perception of a stubborn idler and perhaps the show should really be viewed as a call to arms. Indeed, hearing details of Thomas’ various peeves left one with an invigorated feeling, similar to having a highly switched-on conversation with a friend. If this show were a two-way conversation I’ve no doubt that most present would’ve interjected with a contrasting view at least once or twice. This is a credit to Thomas; rather than providing inert entertainment, the show sparked critical thought.
What pisses off different individuals won’t precisely align. Nevertheless, we do need to voice what really annoys us if progressive solutions are to be formulated.
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
