The performers, each having dealt with profound personal loss, have created sets based on their experiences with grief. Miami-based artist Steph Perez conceived and produced the show as she processed her mother's death. "Art is probably the only healthy outlet I ever found that kept me sane and kept me moving forward," she says. "Comedy, specifically, really relies on you being present and in the moment, so it's given me the option to process in a way that's not unhealthy."
This isn't Perez's first time putting together a show about heavy subject matter. Her one-woman show, Sad Chonga, which played in both Chicago and Miami in 2019, garnered praise from its sold-out crowds for its comedic approach to mental health topics. Its theme and tagline, "Depression, but funny!" also fits the bill for "Good Grief."
"Processing my grief inevitably led to comedy," says Brendan Tran, a Chicago-based comedian performing in the show. "Experiencing my dad's loss caused such an overwhelming change in my life where I was faced with a ton of challenges, stresses, and emotions that were new to me, and the humor in those discoveries found me."
Fellow performer Victoria Collado, a Miami-based director and producer, agrees.
"I have what I call 'Sitcom Brain,' where I'm always looking for the comic relief — it's my coping mechanism. I think it's because comedy has a way of taking the truth and confronting it head-on while doing its best to remove the crushing weight," she says.
The performers aren't poking fun at loss itself. For them, comedy is just another part of the grieving process, and there's value in finding lightness amid all the heaviness.
"Comedy seems to be the antithesis of grief, so I'm excited to see how we all transform our experiences of loss into something that brings joy and hope to the future," says performer and Miami-based comedian Paul Rogers.
Steph Perez's one-woman show, Sad Chonga, earned raves for its comedic approach to mental health topics.
Steph Perez photo
"You realize once you share this experience with others that you're not alone, and a lot of people can relate," says Perez. "Even if you can't relate to the specific circumstances, everyone experiences loss one way or another."
After the sets, audience members are invited to participate in a "talkback session," during which they can share their own stories and experiences with grief and loss.
"I am looking forward to connecting with the audience and getting a chance to hear stories of other people and their grief journeys," says Tran. "I always feel a little more healed talking to others 'cause then I know I'm not the only one going through these experiences."
Above all, "Good Grief" flips the script on how we honor those we've lost. Yes, mourning looks sad, but it also looks messy, weird, chaotic, and funny. Joy and grief can — and do — coexist.
"We're scared to talk about death. Everyone just wants to talk about the good stuff, but that's only half of life. What about the other half?" asks Perez. "What joy can we find in the middle of the chaos?"
Good Grief. 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, at La Sala, 8837 SW 40th St., Miami; 786-353-5198. Tickets cost $40 via eventbrite.com.
