Cassie Workman: You Are Here review – a remarkable standup on a crumbling world
Cassie Workman’s new show, ‘You Are Here’, blends surreal storytelling, sharp social commentary and original music to explore modern capitalism through the eyes of a young boy trapped in a sentient shopping mall. The performance, showcased at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, earned a no…
At the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, comedian Cassie Workman delivered a performance that feels less like a traditional stand‑up routine and more like a modern fable. Titled ‘You Are Here’, the show takes the audience on a surreal journey through a deserted West Valley Mall in Newark, New Jersey, where a nine‑year‑old Hispanic boy finds himself at the mercy of the mall’s sentient halls.
From the U.S. to Australian Stages
Workman spent the last two years living and working in the United States, immersing herself in the culture that birthed the very mall that serves as the backbone of her story. Returning to Australia, she brought with her a fresh perspective on consumerism and the decline of once‑glorious retail spaces. The West Valley Mall, once a symbol of 1980s American consumerism, has been abandoned for decades, yet in Workman’s narrative it awakens, hungry for attention and control.
A Metaphor for Modern Capitalism
The central premise of the show is a boy’s desperate attempt to leave the mall and return home. While the boy’s goal is simple, the mall’s twisted corridors and forgotten alcoves become a labyrinth of consumerist temptation. Workman uses this setting to comment on how modern capitalism feeds on fear and confusion, turning everyday shopping into an almost magical experience that can trap even the most innocent.
Workman’s storytelling is heavily influenced by magical realism, a style that blends the ordinary with the fantastical. She invites the audience to suspend disbelief early on, ensuring that the surreal elements feel natural rather than forced. The result is a narrative that feels both grounded and otherworldly, allowing viewers to reflect on their own interactions with consumer culture.
Multimedia and Musical Interludes
One of the show’s standout features is its use of multimedia. Workman created a lush backdrop of escalators set in a forest, a handmade vintage TV that displays hand‑drawn illustrations, and a microphone housed in a custom cereal box she calls “Coco Props.” These visual elements help to immerse the audience in the mall’s eerie atmosphere.
Music also plays a pivotal role. The performance includes original songs ranging from catchy vintage jingles to a haunting ballad performed in duet with fellow comedian Reuben Kaye. These musical moments punctuate the narrative, providing emotional beats that balance the show’s darker themes with lighter, comedic relief.
Comedy That Never Alienates
Despite its surreal premise, Workman keeps the comedy accessible. When a joke might be too niche, she offers a quick explanation, sometimes even pulling up a Wikipedia screenshot to ensure everyone stays in the loop. The jokes flow quickly, breaking tension and keeping the audience engaged throughout the performance.
Her style is a blend of poetry and punchlines. The careful construction of similes and word choice adds a lyrical quality to her delivery, while her timing and pacing keep the humor sharp. Even when the transitions between stand‑up, storytelling, graphics, and songs feel abrupt, Workman’s deft handling ensures the audience never feels lost.
A Show That Stands Out at MICF
While many comedians at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival tackle themes of consumerism and societal decay, Workman’s approach is uniquely layered. She manages to weave absurdity with existentialism, creating a performance that is both dark and funny. This delicate balance is likely why the show was nominated for best show at the festival.
Workman’s show is a reminder that comedy can be a powerful vehicle for social commentary. By turning a crumbling mall into a living metaphor, she invites audiences to question the forces that shape their everyday choices.
‘You Are Here’ will continue to tour Australia, appearing at the Brisbane Comedy Festival from 30 April to 3 May, the Perth Comedy Festival on 9–10 May, and the Sydney Comedy Festival from 13–17 May. Fans of the show can look forward to more performances that blend sharp wit, poetic storytelling, and immersive visuals.
What’s Next for Cassie Workman?
As the tour progresses, Workman plans to refine her multimedia elements and possibly introduce new musical collaborations. The audience can expect the same level of creativity and thoughtfulness that made the Melbourne performance a standout. For now, the show remains a must‑see for anyone interested in comedy that challenges the status quo.
Why it matters
Cassie Workman’s ‘You Are Here’ demonstrates how comedy can illuminate the hidden mechanisms of consumer culture, offering audiences both laughter and insight into the forces that shape modern life.
Key points
- Cassie Workman blends stand‑up, storytelling, and music in a surreal narrative
- The show uses a deserted mall as a metaphor for modern capitalism
- Multimedia visuals and original songs enhance the immersive experience
- Workman’s humor remains accessible through clear explanations
- The performance was nominated for best show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see Cassie Workman’s ‘You Are Here’ next?
The show will be performed at the Brisbane Comedy Festival (30 April–3 May), Perth Comedy Festival (9–10 May), and Sydney Comedy Festival (13–17 May).
What is the central theme of the show?
The performance uses a haunted mall as a metaphor to critique modern capitalism and consumer culture.
Does the show include musical elements?
Yes, it features original songs ranging from vintage jingles to a duet ballad with comedian Reuben Kaye.
