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Fringe review: Aliya Kanani: Where you from, from?

By Apartment613 on June 18, 2023

Aliya Kanani: Where You From, From?
Created by Aliya Kanani
Produced by Spoon Fulla Sugar
60m
Content notes: Described performance, Mature language, Sexual content

By Nicole Deschenes

“Turning Lemons into Laughter: Aliya Kanani’s Comedic Lemonade Stand”

Prepare to have your funny bone tickled, your mind educated, and your heart touched by Aliya Kanani’s uproarious one-woman show. With a voice as smooth as maple syrup flowing from a tree tap and a smile that could outshine a disco ball, Aliya introduces us to her family and friends, and the myriad of strangers who have left an indelible mark on her life.

With the precision of a ninja and the wit of a stand-up veteran, this firecracker of a woman delivers a seamless package that is one part biography, one part education, one part therapy, and all parts comedy. In sharing of herself, Kanani proves that laughter truly is the best therapy. It’s a masterclass in turning lemons into comedic lemonade. Her ability to find humour in the face of adversity is nothing short of genius as she effortlessly guides us through the art of laughing at life’s curveballs. But it’s not just her impeccable comedic timing that steals the show, it’s her infectious energy and magnetic connection with the audience that takes the experience to another level. She effortlessly breaks the fourth wall, making us feel like old friends sharing hilarious anecdotes at a raucous party.

The brilliance of “Where You From, From?” lies not only in the laughs but also in the subtle wisdom that underlies Kanani’s stories. Amidst the hilarity, she imparts profound insights about identity and courage, and so much more. Kanani reminds us that we are all aging right now, so use your time wisely! And to that I say to you –  seeing her show is definitely a good use of your time. If you listen hard enough, that 60-minute investment can make a positive impact on all the other minutes you have left.

Oh, and just in case you can’t get a ticket to one of her sold out shows, I’ll tell you where she’s from… Canada! … how great is that!


Aliya Kanani: Where You From, From? is playing at Club SAW until June 25, 2023. Visit ottawafringe.com/fringe/ for the schedule and box office info. Read more reviews at https://apt613.ca/category/festival/fringe/.