Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Solo shows as group therapy sessions: NSangou Njikam in A FREEKY INTRODUCTION and Julia Masli in HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

• By drediman
• June 22, 2025
• No Comments

Over the past week or so, I encountered two solo shows that doubled as group therapy sessions. In A Freeky Introduction and Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha, both NSangou Njikam and Julia Maslie, respectively, slip into alter egos to lead audiences to a more enlightened psychological place. Read on below for my thoughts on these unique theatrical experiences.

A FREEKY INTRODUCTION
Atlantic Theater Company
Through June 22

First up is NSangou Njikam in Atlantic Theater Company’s production of A Freeky Introduction (RECOMMENDED) at Atlantic Stage 2. In his one man show, Njikam takes on the role of Freeky Dee, who guides the audience on a bespoke path to enlightenment. At Freeky Dee’s side every step of the way is DJ Monday Blue, who provides the bopping soundscape against which our guide’s two parallel narratives unfold, largely through a combination of stand-up comedy and theatrical storytelling. The main thrust of the evening involves the backstory of Freeky Dee himself, who finds peace and self-worth through a series of life challenges. Throughout, his tale is aided by songs and dance breaks — many of which rely on audience participation — as well as not-quite-subtle symbolism. The second thrust of the evening is a simple but inspiring parable about an eagle who doesn’t know they’re an eagle who eventually realizes their identity as one of the great creatures of flight in the sky. Although the storytelling at times veers towards heavy-handedness, much of it is alleviated by the variety and sheer force of Njikam’s boisterous and charismatic performance, which entertains as it illuminates. There’s also a welcome and refreshing sense of sexual freedom that courses through A Freeky Introduction. Njikam gives us the permission to shed our shame and enjoy the pleasure our bodies are capable of, thereby finding empowerment in sexuality. Who says that being elevated and spiritual need be exclusive of earthiness and sensuality?

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
The Public Theater
Through June 29

This summer, Julia Masli has brought her highly improvised and interactive solo show Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) back to New York for an encore run at The Public Theater (the production was previously seen in the city last year at Off-Broadway’s SoHo Playhouse). Slowly emerging from a passageway onto the stage, she hesitantly takes the spotlight channeling her inner extraterrestrial clown-cum-therapist. As her loveably deadpan alter-ego, Masli spends the gently interactive hourlong show endeavoring to solve as many of the audience members’ problems as possible. Gliding ghostlike up and down the aisle, she hand-selects her subjects, imploring them with a single-word inquiry, “Problem?” Throughout, she keeps the words spoke to a minimum, using her keen understanding of human nature and quick wit to yield economically wrought, incisively observational humor. Although it may seem that Masli operates by her own logic and marches to the beat of her own drum, there’s a bedrock of theatrical tradition that underlies Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. Namely, the performance is inspired by and draws heavily from European avant-garde (e.g., clowning and miming) and absurdist theater traditions, as well as the obvious nods to stand-up comedy and improv. With this array of performance styles to draw from, Masli is able to masterfully and ingeniously orchestrate a theatrical experience that feels totally organic and original — and completely different each night. Masli’s show is also moving reminder of the power of the collective to lift each other up.