Review: Emma Holland: Save the Orangutans

Emma Holland | Photo by Kyle Dobie

Absurdist and exciting, Save the Orangutans announces Australian comedian Emma Holland as one to watch. As a third culture kid (TCK), Holland reflects on her upbringing in Indonesia – from missed child modelling opportunities to flash flooding. A playful performance, Holland brings a warm mischief to the stage. 

It’s perfectly unpredictable – relished false starts, childhood cliches rejected, references picked up and tossed aside immediately. As Holland reminds us (incessantly and delightfully) she’s got a degree in Visual Arts; and so, her refreshing reliance upon collage, video, and digital image fits neatly, providing a nice beat to the show. 

Holland doesn’t take herself too seriously; perhaps, in some instances, Holland takes herself too un-seriously. Between the stunned facial expressions and self-deprecating digs, there’s a potential for depth on themes of belonging and dislocation. Rather, such themes are only noted. At times, crowd work is also somewhat stretched with a slight uncertainty straining each interaction; however, Holland consistently makes good of any awkwardness and is enviably comfortable in calling out all-too silent audience members. 

Thick with nostalgia, Save the Orangutans is ever-memorable in its particular strain of subtle intimacy. Holland offers a fresh perspective, still finding its footing – but finding it with style.