DeRay Davis: How To Act Black

DeRay Davis: How to Act Black is a provocative and comically ingenious Netflix original stand-up comedy special, curated by American comedian DeRay Davis and debuted in 2017. The comedy special masterfully explores modern cultural observations as DeRay Davis illuminates on what it means “to act black,” thus, giving the special its fitting name. Performances like these have seen DeRay Davis rise to new heights in the world of comedy, showcasing his remarkable ability to retain humor while addressing wide-ranging topics that have long pervaded racial, sociopolitical, and pop culture conversations.

"DeRay Davis: How to Act Black" is an hour-and-a-half-long show, performed in front of a live and enthusiastic crowd in Atlanta, Georgia. The vibrant city, often regarded as the cultural hub of Black America, serves as the backdrop for his raucously hilarious performance. However, the show stretches far beyond Atlanta's city limits as Davis makes extensive use of humorous personal anecdotes, unforgettable impressions, and incisive commentaries that resonate with a global audience.

DeRay Davis begins his comedy gig with a humble gratitude for his successful journey as a comedian. He pops the show likening his roll onto the stage to that of the triumphant entrance of a boxing champion into the ring. This opening sets the stage for the delightful and high-energy performance that follows. Once the audience is warmed up and fully engaged, Davis dives into the heart of the program, tackling the titular topic – How to Act Black.

He explores the cultural stereotypes that often surround the concept of ‘acting black’ in America, tying in his experiences growing up in the south side of Chicago. Davis defies and overturns these stereotypes, shedding humorous light on the topic while using razor-sharp wit and precise timing. He poses the rhetorical question: what does it even mean to act black?” As he attempts to answer this with satire and humor, audiences can't help but reflect on the social narrative that has framed this stereotype.

Beyond the overarching theme, Davis does not shy away from discussing various facets of his life. From reflecting on his experiences as a parent to his tenure in Hollywood, he orchestrates humor out of the most mundane to the most profound experiences. His stories about his screen auditions particularly stand out, where he shares how typecasting is prevalent in the industry – a truth that serves as a subtext to the show’s title.

A particularly engaging part of the comedy special is DeRay Davis’s use of impersonations. Whether it's his perfectly imitated popular celebrities or his hilarious depiction of everyday people, his impressions add a whole new layer to his comedic portfolio, showing his adaptability and artistic range in the most entertaining ways possible.

Davis segues between humor and casual conversation, with the switch so seamless you barely notice it. He addresses issues of race and racism, class, and social inequality, all while ensuring the show remains predominantly about his main goal – to make his audience laugh.

Despite the show's heavy use of humor, "DeRay Davis: How to Act Black" carries a prominent thought thread for viewers to take back home: the importance and necessity of staying true to one’s own identity, irrespective of the stereotypes or expectations that society may push upon individuals. This can be seen as Davis's unique way of impelling conversations about race, identity and self-expression.

Technically speaking, the sleek production packaging of the special deserves mention. The excellent choice of capturing audience reactions and the well-curated edits complement the real star of the show: Davis's energetic performance.

To sum it up, "DeRay Davis: How to Act Black" is an ingenious fusion of deep cultural commentary and side-splitting laughs. The unique ability of Davis to playfully package heavy-hitting social messages in a barrage of laughter is a testament to his impressive comedic talent. This stand-up special is a must-watch not only for fans of DeRay Davis but anyone who appreciates comedy that's thought-provoking and timely. It's the perfect blend of laughter, lesson and thought-provoking conversations, and that’s the heart of "DeRay Davis: How to Act Black".