David Correos: Exploring the Chaos of ‘Touching My Active Mind’
Kiwi comedian David Correos is redefining the boundaries of stand-up with his latest production, Touching My Active Mind. Known for a reputation built on outrageous stunts and a “trickster’s energy,” Correos has pivoted toward a style that favors playfulness over unsettling intensity. The show is a high-energy blend of personal excavation and “fatuous madness,” designed to produce the audience feel like they are part of a shared, slightly dangerous experience.
A Blend of Personal History and Prop Comedy
At its core, Touching My Active Mind is an exploration of identity. Correos, a “loud weird kid from Christchurch,” uses the stage to untangle a complex family history. The narrative dives into his mother’s survival story, his relationship with his parents’ home country, and a “surprise plot twist” regarding his father. This personal journey is framed by a history involving secret children and suspected communists (Century).
However, the show is far from a traditional memoir. Correos infuses the performance with a chaotic variety of elements, including:
- Eclectic Set Pieces: The show features an essay, a segment delving into comedy taboos, and a “really wet” joke (Melbourne International Comedy Festival).
- Absurdist Visuals: Audience members may see Correos dressed as a traffic cone or pretending to be a man of God delivering “cheery blasphemy” (Chortle).
- Experimental Structure: The performance utilizes cacophonous sound cues, ridiculous costume changes, and meta-commentary where Correos breaks down the mechanics of a bit before performing it (Chortle).
Performance Style and Critical Reception
Critics describe Correos as a performer who prioritizes energy and surprise over traditional joke-telling. The Press notes that while he may not tell conventional jokes, he executes everything else “fast and loud,” showcasing skills that range from dancing and DJing to hypnosis (Melbourne International Comedy Festival).
The production is intentionally “janky,” leaving space to muck around and try fresh concepts. While some critics suggest the lack of a higher purpose between set pieces can make the hour “hit-and-miss,” the crowd typically endorses his reckless desire to entertain, often becoming complicit in on-stage pranks (Chortle).
Award-Winning Pedigree
Correos brings a significant list of accolades to his current tour, establishing him as one of New Zealand’s most original comedic voices. His honors include:
- Best Newcomer: 2024 Sydney Comedy Festival (Melbourne International Comedy Festival).
- Best Male Comedian: NZ Comedy Guild Awards 2023 (Melbourne International Comedy Festival).
- Comic Originality: NZ Comedy Guild Awards (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2021-2023) (Melbourne International Comedy Festival).
- Billy T Award: 2016 NZ International Comedy Festival (Melbourne International Comedy Festival).
2026 Tour Schedule
Touching My Active Mind is touring several major comedy hubs across Australia:
| Festival/City | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Perth Fringe World | The Rechabite | Jan 27 – Feb 01 |
| Adelaide Fringe | Rhino Room | Mar 03 – Mar 08 |
| Canberra Comedy Festival | Street Theatre | Mar 18 – Mar 19 |
| Melbourne Int Com Comedy Festival | The Greek | Mar 26 – Apr 19 |
| Sydney Comedy Festival | Comedy Store | Apr 25 |
| Brisbane Comedy Festival | Powerhouse | Apr 30 – May 03 |
Source: Century
Key Takeaways
- Show Theme: A mix of family history (including suspected communists) and absurdist prop comedy.
- Vibe: Playful, unexpected, and high-energy.
- Notable Elements: Costume changes (traffic cone), a “really wet” joke, and audience pranks.
- Audience Warning: Suitable for 15+ due to drug references, occasional coarse language, and strobe lighting (Melbourne International Comedy Festival).
As David Correos continues his tour through May, Touching My Active Mind stands as a testament to his commitment to comedic originality and his willingness to embrace the unpredictable.