Toronto Fringe Review: Paco Erhard: Worst. German. Ever.

Paco Erhardt is possibly the worst German ever, I mean he isn’t in lederhosen, goose-stepping while eating sauerkraut and bratwurst — nor is he in the more traditional Patagonia outdoor adventure wear uniform. Nope. He’s a bit anti-authoritarian in his “Disobey” teeshirt, and the only things he’s committed to separating is the recycling.

Even though the show has been rehearsed and has been performed around the world, Erhardt gives off an easy going, slightly improvisational vibe. The set is more akin to sitting down and having a pint with your buddy who’s been travelling the world for the past few years (or decades), and he’s noticed some things about politics and nationalism. Namely that the most nationalistic countries maybe have the least to be proud of, and Canada has great (albeit boring) branding for the geographical equivalent to a granny living above a meth lab.

Now, I need to take a moment to come clean and admit my personal biases. I’m often suspicious of white male comedians. As a BIPOC woman, I find people like me get used as punching bags too frequently and would rather not hang around to find out that he’s #NotAllMen. But this is one of those times that I’m glad I stuck around to find out that Erhardt is, indeed, not all men. Even when buying donuts in Europe, he can’t escape gender and his maleness despite his feminine pastry selection.

Erhardt’s self awareness left me howling along with the audience as he muses about being a Trans rights liberationist or a drunk pervert threatening pseudo-sexual mayhem — perspective really is everything. And given the state of things these days, we could all use a little more of the worst German with the best perspective.

Paco Erhard: Worst. German. Ever. is on now until July 12 as part of the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find show times and tickets here.

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