The Flail

This is an incredible show! Heartfelt storytelling, with humour scattered the whole way through. It's such an incredible story of difficulties and triumph over addiction that's hilarious and raw. Go and see this show!

The Flail might be a story about flailing through life, but Arturo's storytelling doesn't flail at all. It is a masterful tightrope walk where he talks about traumatic subject matter with both great humour and strong pathos. Throughout the show, you see a portrayal of drug addiction that shows it in all of its aspects: absurd, painful, fun, silly, tragic, repetitive, mundane, and oh-so-human.

This would be an impressive show for any artist, but learning that this is Arturo's first Fringe show makes it even more towering of an achievement. I'm excited to see him grow as an artist in future shows.

Arturo is such an incredible writer and compelling storyteller. This is one to watch!

Arturo is a stand-up comedian with a very serious cautionary tale. We get Drawn in immediately with the serious nature of the subject matter. He’s also a magnificent storyteller with this magnetic personality. I’ve heard other stories of addiction and recovery but nothing ever like this. Arturo found the right spots to pull us away from the heaviness with some biting jokes, and he showed an Uncommon level of vulnerability, sharing some of the other trauma in his life. This is his first Fringe and he already has a great show. I can’t wait to see how this develops overtime but I know it Will get better with more repetitions. Go see the show!

The Flail is raw, emotional, and hilarious. Arturo was incredible. From the very start he had the audience drawn in. Just when I was about to cry, he had me laughing. I’ve been looking forward to this show for a while and I was not disappointed.

The Flail is a dark, intense, hilarious and endearing look at Arturo Grijalva's life as an imperfect being from rough beginnings who has somehow endured and found meaning in who, and what he is. Arturo introduces us to the people, places and events that shaped him during the different stages of life and addiction, and of good times and bad. It's a story of loss, it's a story of struggle and there are things the main character experiences that you wouldn't wish on a soul. But it's also a story of survival and of reinvention and ultimately, of understanding. If The Flail reinforced anything for me personally, it's that humans are incredibly resilient but showing compassion to the people around you can literally be a life-or-death moment.

AND THE BEST PART of the whole thing is that Arturo is a talented comedian and delivers this performance in a unique cadence that will have you feeling genuinely moved one moment and howling with laughter in the next. I absolutely recommend this show. You won't regret it!

Arturo is such a breath of fresh air - he is so talented, able to grasp audience attention while guiding us through the tough subject matter - he knows when to make us laugh, and he is able to simply share it all, a testament to his courageousness as a performer.

“Dinosaurs aren’t on the spectrum” - By: Krissy Berkholtz

Arturo Grijalva describes The Flail as an urban legend. Something you learn to fear that can eventually make its way into your life. The Flail is a one man show performed by Arturo Grijalva in a fast pace, hilariously dark, and heart breaking manner where we follow his journey from the start of his childhood experiences into modern day. We feel with Arturo as he goes onto describe the trials and tribulations he faced growing up, and as cold and long addiction follows him into his teen years, and adult hood. The Flail is brutally honest and truly personal. We all have heard cautionary tales on what we believe is right from wrong. How drugs are bad and should be avoided. We most likely all know someone who has had an experience with addiction. The Flail explains and explores the mindset of a man who’s trying to get better, but must conjure up the strength to do so while facing the separation of mind and body. This is a story of never giving up will make you weep, it will make you grateful, and it’ll make you take a look at the world around you and say “I choose to be better today. For myself, and for the people who can’t choose yet.” Everyone has their Flail, but how they pick themselves up is what transforms you. Heals you. Makes you find the light.

Raw, had laughs as comic relief at the right moments. Very touching!

Flail had me belly laughing, heart pounding, and crying all at the same time. A one man powerhouse storyteller. Explores addiction in a visceral way without feeling like a D.A.R.E. program PSA. Excellent show. Hearing his story really hit me like a "fire hydrant to the face" 10/10

Heart wrenching & hilarious.

If you like lively storytelling, you will probably enjoy this. It's a Story of drug use and getting clean. Funny and serious.

Arturo is a great storyteller and comedian. He has the ability to talk about some VERY heavy topics (childhood trauma, addiction, homelessness) with such ease. He takes you on a very personal journey that keeps you hooked wanting to know what will happen next. I felt all the feels. Even with such a heavy subject you find yourself laughing through it because of his great comedic timing. The show flows so well between the different stages of his life. It is very well structured and produced. This show is a good reminder and depiction of perseverance. I really admired his strength and vulnerability in sharing the deepest parts of himself.

Honestly, if you only see one thing this year, make it The Flail. He completely nailed that impossible balance of being deeply moving and dark, but also so funny that you're laughing right when you least expect to. It's raw, honest storytelling that sticks with you long after you leave the venue. Easily one of the most compelling shows on the Fringe lineup this season.

Super funny and a really interesting story. Arturo is a wonderful storyteller very funny great comedic timing. I would definitely recommend this show!!!!