Uneven Observations on Lots of ‘Stuff’

Stuff is a useful word often substituting for more articulated descriptions, and “Stuff,” a new satirical work by performance artists Coco Fusco and Nao Bustamante, is just as ill-defined. Billed as an exploration of the link between Latinas and food, this show at Highways is funny in parts but doesn’t satiate the mind.

Contrasting the pert perkiness of Fusco with the what-the-hell slovenliness of Bustamante, this presentation is a collection of smaller pieces ranging from audience-participatory exchanges to monologues to video-interactive segments. Fusco and Bustamante knowingly cover various provocative topics: the audacity of men looking for a taste of exotica, a simple economics lesson through the eyes of a Zapatista doll seller, and a lesbian explaining the skill required for satisfying women.

Fusco and Bustamante skillfully handle their randomly selected volunteer cast members, and these parts are easily the highlights of the show. Watching the selected audience members leeringly eye the knife-wielding, hair-netted smoking “goddess” (Bustamante) as she prepares their authentic meal is delicious fun. A dance lesson is also a real visual treat.

Yet lacking a strong flow, the show feels undisciplined and the power of these pieces is diffused. It’s like going to a trendy nouveau-nouveau restaurant. All appetizers, but where is the meal?

* “Stuff,” Highways, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica. Today-Sunday, 8:30 p.m. Ends Sunday. $15.(213) 660-8587. Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.