by **** (out of 5)
TikTok’s learning machine is so impressive. How impressive? It began sending me videos from Avital Ash within days of me signing up for the app in late 2021. I only just saw her perform live for the first time here in Edinburgh, where the LA-based comedian is making her debut. And what a powerful debut it is.
Ash grew up depressed and full of shame even before she found out her mom had jumped off a building when she was only 1. Her father remarried quickly enough that she didn’t even know her adopted mom as anything other than her real mom, raising her as an Orthodox Jew in Florida. Her dead mom left no suicide note. Ergo, Avital is workshopping hers. She already has a handful of drafts, and will draft audience members to help with other ideas. This is a structurally strong show. And she is so engaging and charming, even when the material feels darkest. Suddenly all of her crowd work clips on TikTok and Instagram make even more sense in this new context. Even her satirical pronunciation clips take on a new meeting here.
Content warning? Ash reveals to us at least two sexual assault attempts she experienced before she turned 18, and one probable definite rape when she was 18. How probable? The guy’s girlfriend allegedly confirmed to Ash later that she would help her boyfriend rape unconscious girls. So, yeah. It’s not the funniest story, but it’s an important one. Nay, A Vital one. I’m grateful she’s telling it and sharing it with the world.
Avital Ash Workshops Her Suicide Note runs through Aug. 27 at Monkey Barrel Comedy, The Tron
