Abby Bland
Kansas City
At the heart of this show is an exploration of Godzilla as an evolving cinematic icon that has resisted simplistic classification over the decades. Whether she’s unpacking the metaphorical weight of kaiju cinema or drawing parallels between Godzilla’s shifting interpretations and the fluidity of gender and personal identity, Bland's performance is equal parts insightful and hilarious.
SwearingThe Buzz Intro Interview
Abby Bland, Producer, Writer, Performer
1. Why should people see your show?
Most importantly, I’ve designed this show to be a genuinely fun and engaging experience. You don’t need to be a Godzilla expert—or even have seen a single movie—to enjoy it. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the King of the Monsters or someone who just likes smart, funny storytelling, this show is for you.
So if you’ve ever questioned the boxes people try to put you in—or if you just think giant monsters are cool—you’ll have a great time. And who knows? You might walk away with a fresh perspective on life and a new appreciation for the big "guy" himself.
2. What about festivals intrigues you? And why the Atlanta Fringe?
I heard great things about the Atlanta Fringe while touring my show at other festivals. Festivals are great because I love meeting new people and getting new audience perspectives on my show.
3. What inspired you to create this?
I've always been interested in storytelling and how we communicate about ourselves as a society, and I think Godzilla is a large (pun very intended) cultural icon. Everyone knows who Godzilla is, even if you haven't actually seen any of the movies. When I learned that Godzilla was not originally gendered, as a nonbinary individual that sparked my curiosity immediately. Then I fell down a rabbit hole and decided to bring as many people with me as possible.
