One man show offers 'antidote to hatred'

Comedian Stevie Jay will come to Whittenberger Auditorium at 8 p.m. tonight in the Indiana Memorial Union to perform his show "Life, Love, Sex, Death … and Other Works in Progress." \nIn his show, Jay presents uncensored monologues about topics students are interested in such as relationships and spirituality.\nJay said his performance is a one-man theatrical act that teaches audiences about themselves and the way they treat other people. \n"This show is about being human," Jay said. "We are all the same, whatever our sexual orientations, religions and cultures are; these are minor differences. We are all human." \nJay noted that in his show, he represents many different human qualities such as insecurity, masculinity and sexiness.\n"The audience members see themselves in me and find me acceptable and loveable, complete with all the flaws," he said.\nJay said the goal of his play is to erase the lines that people use to divide themselves from others. People put themselves in made-up boxes that enclose their jobs, religions, sexual orientations and other labels that people think separate them from others. The boxes, Jay said, create stereotypes and cause problems.\nMost people find the show liberating because the lines are erased, Jay added.\n"I believe that while we're here in these bodies, we're meant to find a way to make all these different parts work together," he said. "The show offers a glimpse of embracing all parts of oneself, and letting it all be OK."\nThe show itself is funny, but answers serious questions, IU graduate and former Union Board comedy committee member Shane David said. \nDavid recommended Jay to Union Board after seeing his show at the John Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington in February. \n"It was the most powerful 90-minute show I had ever seen." David said. "After the show, I ran up to Stevie and told him that what he's doing is really important, and since I didn't see many students there, I wanted to bring him to campus."\nUnion Board Director of Comedy Adam Hitchcock said Jay's show is coming at a great time, given the controversial Web log. \n"It is the perfect antidote to the current hatred on campus," he said. "The show challenges the way people think by looking at barriers people put up between each other." \nDavid said the show should hit home with everyone.\n"People have questions in their minds and Stevie puts them in perspective and speaks honestly about the topics," he said. "People leave the show with comfort that their questions have been answered."\nJay said the show is also timely with the current global situations, as it humorously confronts the destructiveness of labels, dualistic thinking and separatism.\nJay said this sexual labeling through humor is a major theme presented in the show. \n"I've never understood this bizarre custom of turning sex into one's world view," he said. "When people ask me if I'm gay or straight, my response is, 'Why are you asking? Do you want to have sex with me? If so, then just ask me, point blank.'" \n-- Contact staff writer Stephanie Susman at ssusman@indiana.edu.