Smote This, A Comedy About God... and Other Serious $H*T

This sharp and hilarious solo show, created and performed by Rodney Gardiner and directed by Raz Golden, returns to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival by popular demand. The autobiographical piece follows Gardiner as he attempts to abandon God—a challenging task for a devoutly raised, undocumented Black boy growing up amid 1980s Miami. Smote This weaves personal stories and humorous tangents about racial unrest, immigration, and the drug war into a heartfelt narrative that lands with both humor and heat. OSF notes that Gardiner, a long-time favorite, delivers an encore performance that is equal parts entertainment and poignancy.

Created and performed by Rodney Gardiner Directed by Raz Golden

This humorous yet poignant piece contains profanity, sexual references, recollections of being beaten as a child, and a comedic critique of growing up in a very religious family. OSF recommends it for prepared students who can handle these themes.