Anna Piper Scott: Such an Inspiration - Adelaide Fringe Review
Having (unintentionally) inspired many folk with her debut comedy show ‘Queer & Present Danger’, Anna Piper Scott returns to the stand-up comedy stage to pull apart the power of jokes and three particular stories in which trans women are framed as; a punchline, a villain, or a victim.
Rapidly shifting between many topics such as trans women in many aspects of life, the rules of stand-up comedy and how to make it in the profession, and the art of joke-telling, Piper Scott jam-packs a full plethora of laughs, questionable references, and re-enactments of such topics.
The rapid shifts between such topics appear to be intentional and tie the main themes of what it means to be a trans woman in stand-up comedy.
With facts and logic at her disposal to verify any (and all) of her references to ensure confidence in her comedic ways, Piper Scott uses references of her lived experience as a trans woman, the experience of other gender-diverse folk in her life, media depictions, and famous comedians to add substance behind her jokes.
The manner in which Piper Scott becomes acquainted with her audience before the formal show begins is a way for her to determine whether some of her jokes will hit the mark with show goers. It’s not to say that they’re unfunny, but rather, much of the references are queer (obviously) and may fly over your head if you’re not familiar with the queer experience.
Piper Scott’s delivery of her jokes and skits are in a manner which feels like she is telling them with the audience, rather than at the audience. In a way, this made the show feel more personable and intimate, as you are being brought along through each part of the show.
Blurring the lines between instances of whether you should laugh at what Piper Scott has just said, or whether you should sit and absorb it occur often in the show. After all, it is a comedy show, and she willingly and actively encourages you to continue laughing, even if it is controversial.
The physical emphasis and re-enactments of her jokes add depth and satirical drama, tricking you to feel empathy for Piper Scott, when in fact you should’ve been laughing all along.
There is a moment in the show in which it doesn’t involve laughing, and comes with a trigger warning about trauma.
As a trans woman myself, it’s heartening to watch on in-awe of Piper-Scott as she nails all of her jokes and skits about the trans woman experience of life, and re-writing the script about how we as people are represented in mainstream depictions.
Good comedy makes you laugh, but great comedy is performed in a way which your laughs are everlasting and not at the expense or discrimination of others. Bad jokes can demean you, but good jokes can lift you up from moments of darkness.
Is Such an Inspiration a turning point for Piper Scott's career in stand-up comedy? We wait eagerly for her next installment, but one thing is for sure, she’s re-written the narrative for how the world needs to view and listen to trans women and their voices through the art of stand-up comedy.
Overall, if you’re looking for a jam-packed hour of satirical chaos and antics, you can’t go wrong with seeing Piper-Scott. Amongst the comedy, she provides an avenue for us folk to have a voice to power, to share, and to inspire, even if that inspiration doesn’t last (and it doesn’t need to).
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Show information: Anna Piper Scott: Such An Inspiration
