Sajeela Kershi is firmly sat on the fence. Being brought up in a Muslim family, but still doubtful about Allah’s existence, it seems that the only thing that Kershi is sure is that she’s one hundred percent agnostic. This sets up her show
It’s a show that, while specifically about a Muslim family, is wonderfully inclusive, celebrating everyone’s relationship with faith.
The first you notice about Kershi is how well she interacts with her audience. What’s impressive about her interaction is that it’s not only banterous like most comics limit themselves to, but she also allows her audience to get fully involved. She’s crafted a show that allows for her and the general public to have a dialogue about faith and upbringing and how this affects your choices and personality, resulting in an interactive and ultimately rewarding show.
While I could easily watch Kershi chat with her audience, comparing their childhood experiences, she’s by no means over-reliant on it, having plenty of well-told and humorous anecdotes up her sleeve. Whether it's experiences with bullies, altercations with American immigration officers or an incident with the Taliban (yes the Taliban), Kershi will not only leave you in hysterics, but also somewhat surprised that she’s still standing in front of you.
Yet it’s Kershi’s grasp of her subject that shines through in the end. In the audience there is a mixture of faiths; Muslims, Christians, Jews. Yet, despite herself being sceptical about the powers of faith, there’s not air of judgement in Kershi’s set. It’s a show that, while specifically about a Muslim family, is wonderfully inclusive, celebrating everyone’s relationship with faith, whether that’s a strong relationship or a non-existent one.
