In his new two-part lecture “On the Conditions and Possibilities of Hillary Clinton Taking Me as Her Young Lover,” Arthur Meek presents the indisputable and indefatigable premise that probable 2016 Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton requires a virile unsullied young lover and that the only candidate for that role is the lecturer himself. This imaginative and well-constructed riff just completed its run at La MaMa as part of the New Zealand Performance Festival. Despite Mr. Meek’s wish to “get back to New Zealand,” it would be good for America if he stayed around a bit longer and continued to comment on our present political and cultural scene.

Donned in suit and dickey bow, Arthur Meek’s refreshing rant about all things political in America is engaging, intelligent, and provocative. His PowerPoint is punctuated with delicious satire, delectable double entendre, and scintillating allusions, some not easy to spot. In the first part of the lecture, Meek supports that thesis that Ms. Clinton does indeed need a young lover. This iron clad support includes argument and counter argument and provides the opportunity for the playwright to disclose all that is wrong with the contemporary American political landscape. In the second part, Meek supports the thesis that he and only he is that young lover. In less than thirty minutes, he narrows the playing field down from the population of the planet to himself. After this “proof” one wonders why anyone would not want him for their young lover!

It is difficult to comprehend just how quickly Mr. Meek can speak! This indeed is a “nuclear PowerPoint.” Under Geoff Pinfield’s frenetic direction, the actor engages his audience, calls them out on their lack of knowledge of American pop culture, exposes their lack of intellectual acumen, and – in the process – manages to love each and every one present. Meek is a gifted actor and playwright and this new “lecture” is a worthy addition to his ever-expanding canon.