Uploaded October 2022 | Updated September 2026, 17 hours ago

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RANDY JOKE: youtu.be/Mq_wZE93ZAY

“Discussion of the puppet can be nothing other than discussion of puppetry in performance. This is because the puppet, properly speaking, exists only as a process of performance." -Steve Tillis, 1990

The Australian stand-up comedian Randy Feltface is one of the most vibrantly chaotic and emotionally pointed performers currently working on the touring circuit. He is also a purple hand puppet. What has led so many audiences to believe in him? In this video essay, Zach Barr (they/them) explores the trust that audiences place in both comedians and puppets, and how Randy brings the two worlds together to land one hell of a gut punch at the end of his 2018 special.

Music in this video is courtesy of Podington Bear, and is used under a Creative Commons BY-NC license.

Bibliography: docs.google.com/document/d/1vl9CIA9J6skRlXinWwl6wGnO60rEiDbQLCPa3ol_3O4/edit?usp=sharing
"And Now, They Sing" playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4vfdXUW5yrUATqDIsz1d5C8wDdewZflz

For suggesting topics: twitter.com/AdmiralZachBarr​​​
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