Standing up for the ocean
Speculating about what the ocean would say to humanity if it could speak is a scary thought, but maybe a little less so when seen through the eyes of former marine biologist turned comedian Forrest Shaw.
Shaw will bring his unique blend of stand-up comedy and ocean conservation to the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Sunday, Aug. 23.
The one-man show, "The Ocean Hates You!" combines comedy, storytelling, audience participation and environmental science to explore humanity's often-complicated relationship with the sea. Drawing on more than a decade working as a marine and environmental biologist before launching a career in comedy, Shaw tackles subjects ranging from pollution and plastics to overfishing and climate change with equal parts humor and insight.
Before stepping onto comedy stages around the country, Shaw led Miami-Dade County's Manatee Protection Program and managed water quality monitoring and habitat restoration projects involving coral reefs, seagrass communities and sea turtle habitat. Today, those experiences provide the foundation for a show that aims to entertain while encouraging audiences to think differently about the oceans that sustain life.
For Lincoln City, the show's message carries particular significance. The Pacific Ocean is far more than a scenic backdrop. It shapes the community's history, economy, recreation, arts and identity. From surfers and fishermen to artists, photographers, and environmental advocates, generations have built their lives around Oregon's spectacular coastline.
A performance like "The Ocean Hates You!" aims to remind audiences that protecting the ocean is not simply an environmental issue. It is about preserving the future of coastal communities.
"I first saw Forrest when he opened for Jim Jefferies in Portland,” said cultural center Program Director Jason Corso. “So, when I heard such a talented comedian was working on a show focused on ocean conservation, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to introduce stand-up to the Lincoln City Cultural Center.”
Shaw has appeared at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival, Just For Laughs Montreal and the Moontower Comedy Festival, with television appearances on "Conan," "Live at Gotham" and "Jim Jefferies and Friends." His comedy special, "Poor Decisions," is available on Amazon.
Sunday's performance begins at 7 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Highway 101. Tickets are $20, or $30 for cabaret table seating. For tickets and more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.