At the beginning of the Tallinn Fringe, from the program and the show’s listing in Fienta, one performance that immediately caught my eye and intrigued me was Do I Want To F**K My Dad?. It wasn’t just the title, which is bold, provocative, and unapologetically clear. The accompanying image on the pamphlet also grabbed attention: a dark background illuminated with white and purple lights, where the artist, Rebecka Vilhonen, appears wearing a thrifted backless outfit, with a hand-painted visual on one of her buttocks a striking image that lingers in your mind and is undeniably memorable.
Performing at Heldeke!, Vilhonen is fully aware of these elements and deliberately uses them to create an immediate effect on the audience. Another aspect that demonstrates this awareness is the use of props and costumes. During the performance, the comedian wears a striped bodysuit paired with a vintage 1980s windbreaker, giving a humorous yet practical nod that ties into the show’s visual narrative and contributes to its storytelling.
Throughout the performance, Vilhonen explores themes of sex and dating, particularly the idea of attraction to someone with a “daddy” vibe. She does this through a storytelling format interspersed with punchlines, creating a rhythm that is both humorous and thought-provoking. Additionally, she addresses her cultural background being Finnish and draws parallels between Finnish and Estonian culture, highlighting similarities such as spatial awareness and interpersonal proximity. She also humorously references Bulgarian culture, vintage concepts, and old-fashioned practices, cleverly weaving these insights into relatable jokes.
By the end, the performance conveys a clear and genuine message: life is short and absurd, so embrace it, including finding a “daddy type” through dating apps if that’s your style. The show doesn’t merely conclude with words; it culminates in a sparkling and unexpected final dance, accompanied by the artist’s own voice in the background, leaving the audience with a memorable and slightly shocking impression.
The Tallinn Fringe Festival continues through 18 September, but the final showing of Do I want to F**K my Dad? is at Heldeke! tonight, 2 September at 1900.
Author: Isi Salcedo
I’m a stand-up comedian and comic artist from Santiago, Chile, now living in Tallinn, Estonia. I create stories that make people laugh, think, and feel, whether through my graphic novels like Diaries of an Au Pair or comedy shows like Flipping the 30s. I’m passionate about storytelling and exploring how art can connect us to emotions and experiences across cultures
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