A fusion of storytelling, performance art, filth, provocation and tears, Functional Bottom is a darkly humorous exploration of a year in the life of Jessi Ryan – artiste, journalist, sex worker and hot f#%king mess.

How else to respond to an ‘anus horribilis’ in the era of the neo-Nazi, including nearly dying on the emergency room table, colon removal and the death of their scat-loving sugar daddy?

"Artistic firebrand" (The Age) Jessi Ryan turns to art, sex, truth-telling and maybe a cheeky nang to burn this mother-fucking trash pile to the ground. It’s time to take stock of their self-medication carnival, crawl back from the abyss and get to the bottom of it all. 

Directed by Anna Piper Scott, the only Melbourne International Comedy Festival show featuring a colostomy bag as a supporting actress explores love, survival and the art of clinging on with exquisitely manicured fingernails. 

With 20 solo shows, three solo exhibitions and countless Australian and international performances to their credit, Jessi also has a formidable reputation for their journalistic work, including Walkley Award and Victorian Pride Award finalist nominations. 

Strap yourselves in for a raw, unapologetic, messy and chaotic experience, where nothing is off limits, and rubber gloves are optional.

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