“N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk”: Yes, that’s actually the title. But save the pitchforks.
Having endured threats from both neo-Nazis and the NAACP, “N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk” explores racism and discrimination through the testimonies of long time friends Rafael Agustin, Allan Axibal and Miles Gregley.
“[The slurs] are names we’ve been called in the past,” Agustin said. “We could have called it “Ethnic Friends, but why pussyfoot around it?”
According to the New York Times, “mainstream newspapers and radio stations have refused to take advertisements for the Los Angeles run, because the title is a trifecta no-no.”
The autobiographical stage comedy show combines theatre, hip-hop, slam poetry and personal anecdotes.
“Think: A black guy, a Latino guy and an Asian guy walk into a bar,” Agustin said. “The show is direct, honest and in your face.”
The show grew from the frustration Agustin felt after constantly being rejected from leading roles in theater productions due to his ethnicity.
As a result, Agustin created his own outlet with the help of his two long time friends Axibal and Gregley in 2004. “N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk” has now toured 44 states and 150 venues, many of which are on college campuses.
Asked how the show has evolved since its inception, Agustin said, “It’s always been autobiographical—about our own experiences—but we’re always adapting to current events such as Ferguson and incorporating them into the show.”
The production aims to confront racism through comedy, eliciting uncomfortable laughter and tough realizations.
“Comedy connects and provides catharsis. Comedy creates community,” Agustin said.
The Carpenter Center will host “N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk” on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.