AFGHANISTAN IS NOT FUNNY by Henry Naylor : Facing The Human Cost ~ Adelaide Fringe 2022 Review

[THEATRE and Physical Theatre/Theatre ~ AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE ~ UK] The Studio at Holden Street Theatres, Fri 18 Feb. AFGHANISTAN IS NOT FUNNY is an incisive and masterful work by playwright Henry Naylor, who continues to make his regular presence known at Adelaide Fringe, bringing us the internationally award winning Arabian Nightmares series of plays over several years. This year, however, Naylor gives us a glimpse into how he was transformed from a stand up comedian and comedy writer into a writer of serious plays examining the ramifications of human conflict. Frustrated by what he saw as sanitised reporting of the war in Afghanistan, Naylor visited Kabul 20 years ago with cameraman Sam Maynard, and it is Maynard’s riveting real life photographs that he uses as backdrop to lend evidence to his story. Naylor’s re-telling of the circumstances that led him to visit Kabul is amusing, but the reporting of what he found is so emotionally charged and raw that you worry for Naylor having to revisit some of these memories night after night. As a performer Naylor has a natural presence on stage with an impeccable ability to bring his script to life. Previously Naylor has written scripts for others to perform but this is such a personal and redemptive story that it is totally fitting that he performs it himself. AFGHANISTAN IS NOT FUNNY gives a depth of insight into what has transpired in Afghanistan that outsiders rarely get to see. Ultimately it’s not his story he wants you to engage with. He wants you to feel the experience of people living there. He challenges you to face the human cost. At times this will not be comfortable, but this really is essential viewing this Festival season. 5 stars Catherine Tune AFGHANISTAN IS NOT FUNNY by Henry Naylor continues at The Studio at Holden Street Theatres, at various times, until Sun 13 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ClotheslineMag #ADLfringe #HST [Note: The reviewer actually wanted to give this performance 10-stars out of five! Math may not be a strong point! Ha ha – Ed.]