Feb 20—22, 2026
The Things Around Us
Directed by Ahamefule J. Oluo & Roya Amirsoleymani / from USA
Celebrated artist Ahamefule J. Oluo creates incredible, layered loops of music which then become the soundtrack to his hilarious, personal, introspective feats of storytelling.
Composed, Written, and Performed by Ahamefule J. Oluo
The Things Around Us is a dazzling, funny, and introspective new work from acclaimed musician, artist, and storyteller Ahamefule J. Oluo. In this one-person-show, Oluo builds layers of live, looped music and then tells us revealing, personal stories to create an introspective evening about strangers, acquaintances, and friends—and how all three might be more similar to each other than we often think. It is the third in a trilogy of shows from Oluo, following Now I’m Fine and Susan.
Using looping technology, trumpet, vocals, cardboard shipping boxes for drums, and other instruments, Oluo creates an expansive symphony that becomes the perfect soundtrack to Oluo’s personal reflections, laugh out loud stories, and universal observations about life. The Things Around Us is an evening that will draw you in and remind you of the beauty that surrounds all of the people and places we hold dear.
Info
Venue
Robert J. Orchard Stage
Emerson Paramount Center
559 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
As both a speaker and a musician, Ahamefule J. Oluo specializes in mellow anxiety. It’s a smooth but layered style that makes them highly agreeable to listen to and at the same time unexpectedly moving. The concentrated emotional force lurking in their ease of manner sneaks up on you.
— The New York Times
“Part monologue and part stand-up…He’s multitracking live, before our eyes, building three or four layers of trumpet one by one, and then harmonizing with the stack he’s just made…It sounds so goooood…, [he] captivates the crowd with music, then knocks ‘em dead—and makes it all look easy.”
— Public Display
“[A] silly, earnest, personal and universal solo show…[Ahamefule J. Oluo] had the audience howling.”
— The Seattle Times