WA performance artist iOTA is reconnecting with his roots in his all new show, The Average Joe.
An actor, composer, singer, writer, voice artist, dancer and music theatre presenter, iOTA gives Fringe World audiences an insight into his world in a camp, confessional story scored by a live band.
iOTA is a multiple award winning performer, taking Helpmann Awards for his work in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Smoke In Mirrors. Most recently, he faced life in the dystopian universe of Mad Max as Coma the Doof Warrior on screen.
The Average Joe is directed by former Perth Theatre Company Artistic Director Melissa Cantwell, who is known for many celebrated works including The Goat, The Ugly One, Tender Napalm and Blackbird. Schvendes vocalist, and award winning musician, Rachel Dease also features as musical director.
The performer who is originally from Pinjarra spoke to OUTinPerth last year and he recounted what it was like growing up just outside the city.
“It was OK until I discovered sex or sexuality, and then it became a kind of torture.” iOTA said,  “It was a very homophobic environment. You know, you work out that you’re gay and decide not to tell anyone and it – it just informs the next few years, which was pretty dark for me.”
Despite encountering homophobic attitudes in his teens iOTA has great memories of his time in WA too.
“I have great memories as a kid of lots of foggy mornings, grassy fields and cows, going out and looking for mushrooms (not magic ones!) and being in that rural environment and liking that.
“The older years were a lot of mischief, a lot of unhappiness and trouble. There were good times, I did a lot of jamming and playing and rock n roll, but I couldn’t wait to get out of there and spread my wings.”
The Average Joe will be at the State Theatre Centre from Friday January 20th – Saturday January 28th. Tickets available from Fringe World.
image: James Guiney
