iOTA In The Average Joe

Like peeling back layers of a bittersweet onion, The Average Joe exposes the scarred underbelly of anxiety and depression.

From camp to candid, ARIA and Helpmann Award-winning star iOTA bares his soul with live musical renditions, like tear-soaked pages of a battered diary, belting out "My friends don't love me anymore" in one sickly, sincere number.

Periodically dropping the fourth wall, while simultaneously hurdling another, the Pinjarra-born artist disarms the audience with an honest approach revealing childhood reflections about sexuality and abuse. iOTA's widely celebrated voice carried the performance well, fusing confession with comedy in an absurdly engaging manner. Partnered with a surprisingly formal three-piece backing band, the juxtaposition elevates the fragility of the artist struggling to find his place.

Partnered with respected Perth-based theatre director and playwright Melissa Cantwell, the performance poetically salutes the ongoing conflict of one's everyday internal monologue. Using minimal props coupled with a great use of space and lighting, the direct yet delicate dialogue seamlessly cradles the audience through an intimate journey that's far from average.

The 60-minute show exhibitions personal fears that encourage connection between all walks of life, highlighting the innocence in everyone. Even within so much darkness, there is a sparking, irreverent light, and iOTA struts confidently towards it.