How the KKK Saved the Day at The Blue Room Theatre

Apurva Gupta (as Ms Bankkks) and Jude Soussan (as Nikkki)
How the KKK Saved the Day at The Blue Room Theatre
Photo Credit: Phoebe Eames

Colour me intrigued when I was asked to review "How the KKK Saved the Day". After all, when you call your show something as bold as that, you’re setting certain expectations.

The other point of interest – and a disclaimer we should probably get out of the way early – is that Perth Walkabout editor Nita Teoh is performing in this run. Despite that, if I hated the show, I could still find a way to say so, just as politely as possible.

Fortunately, there was no need for my flowery criticism. From the moment we are introduced to the land of Ku Kluxtopia – courtesy of Milton (played by Chewe Nkole) gyrating in whiteface like the star of a reverse minstrel show – the audience is treated to an edgy 90-minute truth bomb.

Writer and director Amri Mrisho also appears as Andiwe, the new pastor whose family’s arrival in Ku Kluxtopia strikes terror into the hearts of the locals. In their desperation, they turn to RoboKKKop, a ruthless killing machine (played by Teoh) and MaKKK, a suave token black mouthpiece (played by Mit Singh). Meanwhile, Milton is unknowingly exploited by the very people he has been conditioned to trust.

Mrisho’s creation is a satirical but brutal commentary on institutional racism and class division, infused with dark humour and encouraging audiences to sit with their discomfort. Everything seems over the top and ridiculous at times – but that’s kind of the point.

Spoofing musicals and sitcoms alike, the show feels a bit like a C-grade Hamilton crossed with a sinister Brady Bunch, in a good way. This show is not for the faint of heart or for sensitive ears, but it’s worth it.

"How the KKK Saved the Day" is on at The Blue Room Theatre until 14 June.

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