Ethnically Ambiguous is a silly and heartfelt comedy that explores three actors disappointing experiences as culturally diverse individuals in a shallow industry. Max Nunes-Cesar, Jo Malta and Zac Rose created and performed Ethnically Ambiguous as an exploration and presentation of their upsetting experiences as actors. This show contained a skit like format, moving between storytelling, faux game shows, musical numbers, and heartfelt monologues. This show also broke the fourth wall in frequently funny ways.
Ethnically Ambiguous contained a plethora of clever self-referential jokes and audience participation. The most powerful audience participation is the game of ‘guess the ethnicity’ with a wheel of origin as a practical gag. This worked well in combination with the actors and creators, it had an immediate and powerful impact on the audience. This skit was a clear and powerful moment of the actors creating tension, and using themselves and their experiences to cut the tension and connect with the audience.
The actors felt authentic, which makes sense given their roles as creators of the show, sharing their own experiences of the world. In particular, Zac Rose stood out as a powerful story teller, conveying his experiences and personal narrative in a touching and meaningful way. Rose was able to explore his ongoing feelings of shame and guilt, accepting that his ancestors were discriminated against because of the colour of their skin, and acknowledging that he carries the trauma of those experience, with the understanding that no one can see it, and he doesn’t experience it himself (due to his white passing presentation). Rose is told by his friends that “you choose what defines you,” as he decides to reclaim his sense of self, and falls into a space of acceptance.
The show’s theme of disconnection of perception and sense of self was well established and maintained. However, the show at times lacked direction and focus, with skits between the characters stagnating the pacing of the show. There were moments of the show that felt non-sensical. A sharp and clear perspective was missing at times, which meant the impetus of the show fell flat. As a result, the long-lasting impact of the show might not be as clear as the creators intended.
Acting is a visual and audible job, how you look and sound impacts how you are perceived, and although Nunes-Cesar, Malta and Rose don’t state it, to me it felt that it important to recognise and accept that there are things you cannot change, like the colour of your skin. This show reminded me that one’s sense of self, confidence, and acceptance of self should be tied to who you are, rather than the success you find in your career.
Ultimately, I came out of this show with the knowledge that pursuing a career in acting is risky, idealistic and irrational, and I’m glad Nunes-Cesar, Malta, and Rose are doing it.
To book tickets to Ethnically Ambiguous, please visit https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/ethnically-ambiguous.
