The Material

The Material is a novel that examines life through the eyes of a band of outsiders who are trying to turn their difficulties into entertainment. It features a polarised staff and students, with Manny Reinhardt as a guest lecturer. Camille Bordas is a skilled and surprising novelist who explores the themes of comedy, rivalry, and loneliness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2024
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

The Chicago Stand-Up School is a renowned institution where celebrated comedians impart their knowledge and expertise to aspiring students, aiming to teach them the art of humor. However, the reality of the comedy world is often far from the idealized theory. Comedians are fiercely competitive, often viewing others as rivals rather than collaborators. When the super-famous Manny Reinhardt arrives as a guest lecturer, the staff and students are divided between their desire to learn from his genius and their desire to prosecute him for his well-documented issues with women. On an eventful day, several lives intersect, each with their own unique challenges. Artie, a student, struggles with the perception that he is too handsome for comedy, while Olivia, another student, grapples with her reluctance to confront her past. Phil, another student, is hesitant to take risks and potentially offend others. On the faculty, Kruger, a young man, struggles with his father's expectations and seeks validation through his performance. Ashbee, a faculty member, is tired of sleeping with white women who praise him for his Blackness. Dorothy, the only woman on staff, wonders how her talent is connected to her loneliness. The Material, a play written by Camille Bordas, explores life through the eyes of a group of outsiders who are attempting to turn their difficulties into entertainment. Camille Bordas is a novelist who possesses the same level of skill, charm, and surprise as the best stand-up comedians. The play delves into the complexities of human relationships, the pursuit of success, and the challenges of being an outsider in a world that often judges individuals based on their appearance, background, and beliefs. Through a series of interconnected scenes, the play examines the lives of these characters, revealing their vulnerabilities, dreams, and struggles. The Material is a poignant and thought-provoking work that challenges the audience to question their assumptions and embrace the diversity of human experience.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805220060
Edition number: Main