ALOK, a self-proclaimed gender- and genre-bending performer, combines spoken word and theatre with comedy in a thought-provoking solo act at the Fringe.

The show starts off on an intriguing note. ALOK’s flippant attitude is unexpected, especially considering the heavy topics of transphobia, homophobia, racism and cyber-bullying that they discuss. Their poised presence immediately wows, a tell-tale sign of a New Yorker. If that were ever in question, then the stories of having cockroaches as housemates and the irritation at people blocking sidewalks would erase all doubt.

Sauntering on stage in a fantastic glossy black latex dress and knee-high heels that you’ll covet but wonder how to steer on Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, ALOK seems a distant, pedestaled deity. Like they are not here to be relatable, be one with the audience. This is made more layered when ALOK relays that they are tired of being just a symbol. They are a whole person with a complex inner life, yet are reduced. Our heart aches for them. It is especially in these open moments that their skill with words and rhythm shines.

Their past experiences and hesitation could explain the slight disconnect with their audience. ALOK’s gaze doesn’t often catch the audience’s and the routine, in its seemingly over-rehearsed-ness, loses some of its magic. They disperse a loveable silliness through the act to incite laughs. Their energy rises in these gags, bringing variety to their steady tone and grabbing our attention more forcefully.

Though they may hold the audience at an arm’s length at points in the show, ALOK reaches into their vulnerable inner life in a heartfelt ending. Everything about them – their attire, presence, performance – dares us to put them into a single box.

ALOK is at Underbelly Bristo Square -Cowbarn until Sunday 25 August 2024 at 16:10