Josh Kornbluth, performing his monologue “Citizen Josh” at Arena Stage, is a standup comedian whose material is only in the broadest sense political. Unlike the comics who skewer politicians on a daily basis, Kornbluth comes across as an astute, benign observer of citizen participation: He clearly has a stance, but he isn’t there to defame the politicos, mock the issues or convert the audience.
During “Citizen Josh,” Kornbluth deftly creates an impressionistic sense of himself growing up in New York and being an undergraduate at Princeton University. With a few choice images, he re-creates relationships he had through the years: with his father, with a beloved professor, with his son. Some of the material is quite funny, especially a running joke about Josh’s inability to finish his senior thesis. Some of it is very moving, particularly Josh’s description of his younger brother’s early life.
These personal reflections are subtly entwined with what could be called political memories, the steps Kornbluth went through to become socially involved, moving him from a rather passive awareness to an increasingly active conscience and commitment.
Several times during the performance, there are references to “quixotic faith,” defined as hope held by anyone whose belief goes beyond logic and reason. Ultimately, Kornbluth isn’t interested in polls or pundits or candidates but in this “quixotic” passion that ignites ordinary citizens, inspiring them to use the medium of politics to go out and change the world.
Using only a slide projector and screen to visually reinforce his stories, Citizen Josh makes it clear that he represents what he calls the “progressive side of the political spectrum” but that he’s not interested in his neighbors’ party affiliations.
It’s precisely that sense of civility and willingness to hear an opposing voice that makes “Citizen Josh” unique and refreshing. Kornbluth says he’s not an activist, but as he seeks to understand what makes people tick politically and what it takes to motivate involvement, Kornbluth’s very words seem designed to energize and transmit his own “quixotic” passion for democracy.
If you go
“Citizen Josh”
* Venue: Arena Stage, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
* Performances: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (except Oct. 26)
* Tickets: $30 to $35; discounts available
* More info: 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
