Saudade Onions: Live Reading of a Stranger’s Diary
By West Kester
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Company Name: West Kester
City/State: Kansas City MO
Genre: Comedy, Storyteller, Theatre
Ratings: Mature Audiences Only
Warnings: Adult Language, Sexual Content, mentions of drugs/alcohol/suicide
Venue: The Bird Comedy Theater
Show Times:
7:30 PM Saturday, July 20
9:00 PM Sunday, July 21
9:00 PM Wednesday, July 24
6:00 PM Friday, July 26
4:30 PM Saturday, July 27
Description:
As a penance for two decades of nosiness, Kansas City comedian West Kester shares the real, unedited entries of their diaries and journals. From years of awkward adolescence to their current entries, as recent as yesterday, West invites audiences to revel in their own mortification, and maybe find familiarity in the open and honest (and melodramatic) thoughts and feelings of a total stranger.
Cast/Crew:
Director - Kacy Barta
Past Fringe Shows:
The Bird Comedy Players, Improvisor, 2023
KC Improv, Improvisor, 2022
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OUR SPONSORS
Missouri Arts Council
Theater League
Arts KC
NTDF
henderson
VMA
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P.O. Box 415001
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Great show! Emotional and funny and dark and relatable. Plus, Bo Burnham kinda has a cameo or two.
if you too are an overly self-aware zillenial that spent most of your time on tumblr, you will enjoy every second of this show. and if that does not describe you, you will still enjoy it because it is the perfect balance of raw vulnerability and comedy.
Nothing is more vulnerable than reading from your own journal. The honesty and authenticity is on full display, in which the audience finds solace. I could secretly read their fanfiction all day, and it provides just the right amount of levity to tie it all into such a perfect little package.
Incredible show! Vulnerable, honest, funny, and insightful.
It takes a special talent to perfectly blend raw emotion with a touch of humor, and West does it effortlessly. The candid readings transform everyday moments into a profound and relatable experience. West’s ability to connect with the audience through honest and often hilarious entries makes “Saudade Onions” a unique and unforgettable show. This is storytelling at its finest—don’t miss it!
West has pure, open energy in this show. There are moments that are clearly hard to read aloud but West masterfully propels us between their hard emotional truths and hilarious fan fiction (both coming from an honest core).
West offers a glance into their life and delivers a graceful introspection into the human experience by contrasting delicate topics with comedic takes. Their honesty is admirable and makes this show an enriching experience full of self-reflective insights.
I was so inspired by this show and grateful for West’s braveness! I felt the whole spectrum of emotion with this one. If you’re looking for a vulnerable, story-driven work of art, go get your booty in a seat for Saudade Onions!
This show is the epitome of what the fringe festival was meant to be. A wild swing by an artist that not only wants to be seen, but needs to be. West’s performance, along with Kacy’s adept direction and consideration culminates in an experience that highlights the artistic mind of a troubled, yet comedic soul that you don’t want to miss. Examining the vulnerable, comedic, and often times heart breaking view of the modern day psyche, West has created an influential piece of art that will keep your head nodding in unity while common traumas that we all face are brought to light and explored in a way that changes the perception of the audience. Come for the Bo Burnham fan fic embarrassment, leave knowing the door will always be there, but you have 1,000 reasons not to open it. IYKYK.
A show that puts it out there. If you value truth and honesty this one is for you! A poignant dive into the inside of someone’s mind. West spoke every word with clarity and confidence, even in moments that were vulnerable and bare. Congrats on a great show!
A heartfelt show that weaves a deep and vulnerable narrative of their inner thoughts and feelings through time. Beautifully and artistically done. A must-watch!
This is the kind of heartfelt, honest introspection that Fringe was made for. One of the boldest things that a comedian can do is get serious. West removes the mask and gets introspective in this solo show takes us beneath the surface and examines why it is that we seek outside validation. Sometimes, self-love is difficult, and the journey towards liking who we see in the mirror is a long and complicated one. The show has plenty of funny moments, but they never deflect or sell out the honesty of the performance. West, I’m proud of you!