54. Not funny ‘ha ha’, funny weird
Melbourne’s performing arts scene is revelling in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. For 37 years now, Melbournians have put their trust in these comedians to bring them out of a mid-week rut, top off an average day at work, or laugh (cackle) with friends after a bottle (or two) of wine.
If there’s something we can learn from comedians, it’s a lesson in confidence. Their ability to stand on a stage in front of an empty room, one peppered with attendees or even an entire theatre of patrons, is a testament to their commitment. There’s no doubt they’ve faced concerns about their chosen career path, particularly in the early years. Concerns of failing with material they wrote, not getting a laugh. Concerned about their fly being undone on stage the whole time or having something in their teeth. Concerned with being heckled or spotting the lady who does their waxing in the crowd.
Australia is no stranger to home-grown humour; Have You Been Paying Attention is essentially an hour of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update (one of my favourite segments of the American comedy institution). Not to mention, we are on the cusp of a Mr G revival. Chris Lilley’s famous character is an audience favourite. It’s almost certain someone is donning a Mr G costume at a dress-up event (see Winery Walkabout).
Lilley’s icon in Australian culture can be credited to his on-the-nose, committed and outrageous characters on shows like Summer Heights High and Lunatics. These short series were the pinnacle of comedy in my high school; J’amie quotes became indicators of coolness, and Jonah quotes left teachers confused and offended.
Yes, comedy can get past the point of satire and be outright political and limit-pushy. It’s becoming more common to reminisce on our old favourite shows and realise those jokes wouldn’t fly in this modern society.
Living in the city of Melbourne has deepened my love for comedy by its sheer accessibility. Working in the city means the comedy theatres are only a stone’s throw away. Trams easily deliver you to Comedy Republic for a guest spot on an improv night. Heck, a pub around the corner from your house might even do an open mic night where you can take a swing at it yourself.
We won’t always agree on what’s considered funny or inappropriate. Heck, when it comes to family events, it’s almost guaranteed a boomer aunt or uncle’s joke will hit a nerve, but we can only defend our “woke” culture and generation so much before things get murky. But for today, I just hope you get a laugh in.
