The trend of comedians portraying themselves as self-absorbed egomaniacs is increasingly popular. Kate Berlant, Leo Reich, and Catherine Cohen have delved into this style, and now Greta Titelman joins the mix with a show that garnered attention at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Like Berlant and Cohen, Titelman, who appeared on the hip comedy show Search Party, presents a narrative that spans from her childhood traumas to her adult life in Manhattan, marked by misguided escapades and drug use.
Titelman’s performance is engaging, characterized by dramatic shifts in tone—from soft, melodic singing to intense outbursts.
The show’s musical moments and narrative merge tragedy with excess, lacking deeper reflection.The show starts with a nostalgic portrayal of her childhood, showcasing her as a naïve girl coping with family troubles and experimenting with drugs, even leveraging her father’s infidelity for material gain.
As the show progresses, it shifts to her adult life in New York City, where she faces emotional struggles, delinquency, and cynicism. The narrative includes her encounters with a wealthy suitor and a humorous segment contrasting real versus fictional oral sex.
However, despite these engaging moments, the show ultimately feels disjointed. The musical elements, reminiscent of Catherine Cohen’s work, fail to make a significant impact.
The blending of personal tragedy and sordid experiences begins to seem intentionally harsh, lacking a deeper reflection or resolution.
The title, Exquisite Lies, hints at a deeper revelation or insight that never materializes. Instead, the show concludes without a sense of closure or redemption, leaving a memorable but ultimately superficial impression.