Jewish humour cuts through self-help myths in one-man show
A self-proclaimed guru promising to deliver sunshine in a can is at the centre of a new one-man comedy heading to Melbourne and Sydney, with Jewish-Australian actor Jonny Pasvolsky behind the satire.
Written and performed by Pasvolsky, ‘The CAN Principle‘ follows the unlikely rise of fictional life coach Mervin Gimplik, whose philosophy stems from a childhood memory of opening a souvenir tin labelled “Genuine Australian Sunshine” and finding nothing inside.
Jonny Pasvolsky in The CAN Principle (photo supplied)
From that premise, the show takes aim at the modern self-improvement industry, targeting life coaches, miracle cures and self-styled experts selling transformation with bold promises and hefty price tags. Mervin’s pitch is simple but absurd. He claims he can deliver the sun itself, one can at a time.
Directed by Jo Turner and produced by Kate Ryerson, the one-man production blends parody with a more personal thread. Pasvolsky draws on his experience migrating from South Africa to Australia, incorporating moments of cultural adjustment, identity and the awkward business of fitting in.
Pasvolsky, a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, is best known to Australian audiences for appearing in “McLeod’s Daughters” and was nominated for a TV Week Logie Award for Most Popular New Male Talent for his role in McLeod’s Daughters. His screen credits also include “Westworld”, “NCIS Sydney” and films such as “Mortdecai” and “The Front Runner”.
His Jewish background informs the show’s tone, with its mix of humour, scepticism and a willingness to question easy answers and authority.
The CAN Principle will be performed at the MC Showroom as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 28 to April 5, before heading to the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney on June 5 and 6.
Bookings and further information are available at thecanprinciple.com.au.
