Tiny, Fluffy, Sweet presented at the Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Asia TOPA triennial, is a delightful and thought-provoking performance that delves into the world of cuteness. Created by Beijing and Utrecht-based theatre maker and artist Ran Chen, this unique performance provided both endearing content and cultural insights.
The performance explores the concept of cuteness and its impact on our hearts, minds, and society. Chen’s fascination with cute animal videos, ignited during the pandemic, serves as the foundation for this production. The show begins with the first-ever recorded image of a panda and takes the audience on a journey through the history and significance of cuteness and how people react to it.
Chen’s unorthodox research into cuteness is both humourous and insightful. She examines why we are so mesmerised by cute things and how digital cuteness can stave off loneliness and isolation. The performance features a series of vignettes that test the boundaries between cuteness and the not-so-cute, re-enacting how people respond to cute stimuli.
One of the standout moments of the show is Chen’s exploration of the emotional complexity of cuteness. She highlights the long-underestimated depth of our human-animal emotional experience, making the audience reflect on their own interactions with cute content.
The performance is filled with heart, humour, and biting cultural commentary, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and society.
