Comedy, Chaos and Crohn’s: Uma Dobia’s Intolerant (Melbourne Fringe Festival)

Intolerant is the no-nuts-allowed cabaret where coffee, shellfish, and 400-page ingredient substitution guides come together in the name of fun. Performer Uma Dobia invites us into a meticulously chaotic world where attention to detail and a strict “never mention Brazil nuts” policy are the keys to survival. Ahead of her Melbourne Fringe season, we caught up with Dobia to talk allergies, absurdity, and how she turns life’s restrictions into full-blown comedy.

"I created Intolerant to help people understand what it’s like to live with allergies and Crohn’s disease, and, as a way to say “fuck you!” to these conditions that have ruled my life for so long," she tells me. "Initially I made a list of the funniest or most ridiculous anecdotes I have from allergy and Crohn’s mishaps. They couldn’t all make the final version, so ultimately I chose the ones that best served the purpose of the show. It was a tough decision! Some of my favourites got cut because they didn’t serve the story, but that’s okay. I’ll find a way to share them with the world!"

Dobia has been performing Intolerant for roughly two years, and while the title has stayed the same, the content has changed drastically. "It has changed so much. Far more than I expected! Each season I’ve thought about what I can add or re-write to craft a clearer message, and this staging is the most true to the mission," she reveals. "Part of the main challenge in writing something so personal is that you have to pull yourself out of it to present an effective piece of theatre. And you can always use a fresh pair of eyes, so it’s been so wonderful having director Joanna Simmons on board for this iteration to guide me in shaping this into its strongest version."

Though a cabaret at heart, this off-beat pruduction sees Dobia pulling out all the stops, using her full range of talents, including a touch of operatic flair, to heighten the comedy and whimsy. "The opera helps to ramp up the stakes and the drama, while the original songs deliver more of the humour and pathos. It’s a good balance where the production stays cohesive thanks to a narrative threaded through its various genres and musical numbers."

With numerous seasons performed around the country and overseas, Dobia has had plenty of unexpected encounters with audiences, where a little audience participation is included. "Some of the most memorable moments have been improvisations with the audience. I’ll never forget my comeback, “it’s a real sausage-fest out there” during a chat with an audience member about their bad restaurant experience, but I think you had to be there! There’s one particular interaction that shows me whether everyone is with me or not, and if I don’t get volunteers to participate then I know I’ve got to work harder to win them!" she explains.

But beyond its shenanigans and tomfoolery, she hopes audiences will take away something meaningful. "The best thing about performing Intolerant is the audience reaction from people who don’t have allergies and Crohn’s disease gaining a real understanding for the first time of what it’s like to deal with these debilitating conditions," Dobia expresses. "We should be more mindful of people’s challenges wherever we can. Sharing food and genuine social connection are two valued parts of being human, and no one should be excluded from those experiences."

Dobia laughs as she reflects on the journey of creating Intolerant, grateful for every absurd, challenging, and unforgettable moment along the way. “At the end of the day, I just want everyone to leave with a smile, and maybe a deeper appreciation for what it’s like to live in my world."

FRINGE FIVE FAST ONES

1. A song I could listen to on repeat forever is Why Should I Love You by Kate Bush.
2. One object I can’t live without backstage is water! I’m like a fish backstage.
3. My favourite word is curiosity, because it reminds me to look at the world around me with questions and empathy, rather than judgement.
4. Something unexpected that brings me joy is finishing a knitting project.
5. If I could live one day as someone else, it would be Audra McDonald. She’s one of my biggest inspirations, and the TALENT?! Who wouldn’t want to live a day as her?!

Show Details

Venue: Spielhaus, Cnr Kulinbulok La & Berrbang La, Melbourne (near Queen Vic Market)
Season: 6 - 12 October | 7.10pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $24 Full | $22 Concession | $18 Wednesday Hump Day
Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival

Image credit: Mark Gambino