‘Oye Yaar’ Review by Victoria Russell
★★★★½
“Oye Yaar” is a phrase that conjures the idea of a complex, organic concentrate made from turmeric, that famed Indian root with many virtues. Much like the concentrate itself, Oye Yaar at Metamorfosis is refreshing and spicy, bursting with tangy humour and vibrant energy. True to its name, this comedy show immerses the audience in the essence of modern India and its surrounding areas—authentic, creative, and inspiring.
As Barcelona’s first English and Hindi comedy show, the show brings comedians from India and neighbouring regions to the stage, integrating humour from various cultures. Leading the night, the charismatic host Palla engages the crowd with a mix of light-hearted banter and moments of dark humour, testing boundaries that keep the audience on their toes. Her clever and quick-witted interactions add a dynamic edge to the scene including a particularly funny moment about the unusual and definitely funny meaning of her name in Catalan. The joke lands a lot of laughs with the local crowd.
Each performer brings something distinctive to the stage. Angelique Rodriguez captivates with her unique poetry, honouring her grandmother by blending verse with humour in an original way. Sainath Kollipara, a newcomer, adds raw energy and the charm of a comedian finding their voice. Shikhar Nilabh, a seasoned comedy veteran, tests out new material delivered with enthusiasm, but unexpectedly stretches longer than anticipated and doesn’t land sometimes—an unfortunate risk with testing fresh and raw material. Together though, they create a full show that’s as layered as the spice itself.
The atmosphere is electric with a diverse crowd of recent arrivals to long-time Barcelona residents, all eager to experience the unique cultural blend Oye Yaar offers. This communal spirit amplifies the show’s energy, creating a shared experience of laughter, connection, and cultural appreciation. Comedians serve up a mix of wit, warmth, and cultural pride, celebrating South Asian heritage that feels as invigorating as any traditional remedy.
Oye Yaar is more than a night of comedy—it’s an immersion into South Asian culture, shared through laughter and storytelling. Like its namesake, this show leaves the audience enriched, enlivened, and connected to a multifaceted modern India. A pleasure to have been a part of.And this is just the beginning. Oye Yaar marks the start of a monthly showcase designed to feature newcomers, rising stars, and seasoned veterans from South Asian backgrounds. With a mission to expand diversity in the comedy scene, this series creates a dedicated space and fosters the growth of distinctive, both new and old, voices. With its promise of a consistent supply of lively, intercultural comedy in the months ahead, it’s a welcoming and refreshing addition to Barcelona’s cultural scene.
This review of Oye Yaar was based on the Nov. 6, 2024 performance at Teatro Metamorfosis during the Barcelona Fringe Festival.
