Jake Mace
Narin Oz’s upcoming alternative EdFringe comedy hour Inner Child(ish) explores her neurodiverse experience, and hiding away in her imagination – through the unusual lens of a lonely friendship with a poop-shaped emoji balloon. We caught up with Narin for a pixelated pint to find out more about the show.
You can catch Narin Oz: Inner Child(ish) from July 31st to August 24th (not the 12th) at Just the Tonic at The Mash House – The Attic from 16:00 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jake: Hi Narin! Your show is about your neurodiverse experience and hiding inside your imagination – tell us about your experience and how you found the humour in it.
Narin: My imagination is my safe place when I have a meltdown. I make fun of neurotypicals there because some of them act like they’re better than everyone else. They think their way is the only right way. But for some of us, their way is too much, and that’s okay. This imagined world is like being on a deserted island, just like in Castaway.
When I start something, I’m super focused. But by the end, I’m swamped by loud noises, strong smells, and talking to people. It feels like I’m alone in a desert. I tend to be very direct, which sometimes upsets people. I don’t like unclear language; it just confuses me. So, my imaginary world lets me escape all the confusing talk, bright lights, and strong smells.
Jake: The other character in your show is called Dr Fecal Matter – tell us about them.
Narin: They are my budget Wilson. Oz uses them in the show to help her get out of her melt down island. She projects all her doubts and fears, hopes and dreams. Uses them to process things about people and life. They are an inflatable balloon shaped as a poop emoji. I prefer saying sh** because the noun fits the ambience of being in a sticky situation. He represents the messy side of humanity, super direct and literal. No vague ambiguous nonsense will ever come out of his mouth.
Jake: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience, if anything?
Narin: For both audiences neurotypical and neurodivergent I would like them to feel closer to each to each other and celebrate having a messy human experience.
Jake: Tell us what you’re most excited about for EdFringe 2025.
Narin: Having a show I am proud of and discovering something new.
Jake: If your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?
Narin: Undiluted Ribena followed by a shot of Gin because my show is comedically unpredictable.
A reminder, you can catch Narin Oz: Inner Child(ish) from July 31st to August 24th (not the 12th) at Just the Tonic at The Mash House – The Attic from 16:00 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Image Credit: Steve Ullathorne
