Roland with the punches

I Know You Are But What Am I?
Performer: Roland Hoffmann
At: Belleville, Globe Alley
Until: April 16
Rating: ★★★

By LUKE COLLINS

Roland Hoffmann is the embodiment of every twenty-something riddled with self doubt and indecision.

When he is announced over the loudspeaker, he storms through the door beside the stage. He runs up to the small semi-circle structure that he will inhabit for the next hour, then immediately questions his decision not to enter from atop the eccentrically painted stairs behind him.

Hoffmann clambers around the small stage, working all of the crevices it provides and rarely standing still. This constant movement and awkward interaction with the environment mirrors the self-conscious, reflective tone of I Know You Are But What Am I?

Hoffmann’s nervous journey through life - past, present and future - begins. He jokes about his haircut while touching on classic issues such as love, the meaning of life, and happiness, in an obtuse and creative way, using these concepts to springboard into a broader discussion of life.

Unfortunately, his interactions with the crowd fell flat at times, but worse, it produced lengthy rambling recoveries that were genuinely uncomfortable and awkward

Although clear the jokes were carefully thought through, some went straight over the audience’s head and the more creative ones were lost in translation due to his nerves and apparent a lack of confidence.

That’s not to say the majority of the jokes were not well received – they were the crown jewels of the show, and were mostly relatable and prompted the crowd into self-reflection.

Hoffmann was nervous, but any negativity is eased by his sincerity and likeability.

I Know You Are But What Am I? is quirky, personal and interestingly funny and forces you to think more deeply about life. The show was funny, but as a comedian Hoffman still needs to hone his craft.