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MaMa Does Dada: Absurdist Theatre

Solo Theatre · Madeline Magnifico (MaMa) Presents · Ages 14+ · 1hr · United States of America

Content Warning Multi-Lingual Performance One Person Show World Premiere
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mama does dada: absurdist theatre

Review by OLIVIA FINNEGAN

June 07, 2026 certified reviewer
tagged as: curious · Niche · makes ya think · absurd

What I liked

I first learned about DaDaism in a Theatre History textbook— but at that time there were no live performances to give me a lived experience of the genre. This show changed that!

I was not “entertained” by the show itself— and I think that’s the point. Every “scene” lasted too long, there was no “story” or “reason” for the events that unfolded on stage. But it’s very clear that the performer herself is skilled, understood exactly what she was doing, and executed it very well. I’m writing this review hours after seeing the show and have found that the most “entertaining” part of my experience has been these post-show hours of reflection; the show is funnier now that I can look back at it and let the absurdity sink in.

If you’re academically curious about DaDaism, or you’ve got an open mind and appetite for some “weird Fringe shit”, I’d recommend this show.

What I didn't like

I would have loved to see more mess! Painting? Leave the paint on your hands and face instead of washing it off. Using Elmer’s glue? Squeeze that shit all over the paper. There’s some untapped opportunity for chaos 👹

My overall impression

It’s very true to the genre

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mama does dada: absurdist theatre