MICF: Chi Nguyen, LOTUS

MELBOURNE INDEPENDENT CELEBRATORY FEMINIST
Chi Nguyen
LOTUS
26–28 March 2020
SIGNAL
comedyfestival.com.au

Chi Nguyen

I haven't seen Chi perform yet, but she talked about making good Vietnamese iced coffee in her media email – and that was enough to get my attention. And young female voices taking over the festival...

If you could see anyone (possible or impossible) in your audience, who would it be?
Ali Wong! 100%

What is one of your favourite comedy festival memories?
Coming to watch Comedy Zone Asia and someone thought I was there to do a set, haha.

Who is one (or three)of your favourite Melbourne Indie Celebratory Feminists?
The comedy queens of my heart are Diana Nguyen, Lou Wall and Margot Tanjutco.

What three shows are you not going miss this comedy festival?
Lou Wall Lousical the Musical
Annie Louey Annie Louey's Big Break
Diana Nguyen Chasing Keanu Reeves

GIVEAWAY COMPETITION

one double pass 

Chi Nguyen: LOTUS
28 March
7.00pm
SIGNAL

EMAIL with CHI NGUYEN COMPETITION in the subject
Closes on 24 March 2020

MICF: Tara Leigh Dowler, Wukkas

MELBOURNE INDEPENDENT CELEBRATORY FEMINIST
Tara Leigh Dowler
Cousin Tara Wukkas
25 March–5 April
The Rattlesnake Saloon
comedyfestival.com.au

Tara Leigh Dowler. Photo by Alexis D Lea

Nevertheless, she persisted. I remember Tara inviting me to see Pink Flappy Bits and I didn't see it. There's a point in festival when there just isn't enough time/energy/ability to see another show. Or it's  the Survivor finale. If media miss your show, it's their loss – so keep asking. I saw Cousin Tara's Intervention Variety Hour at Melbourne Fringe last year and will now see all of her shows. It's so easy to see trusted names and people you know during MICF, but you know what you're going to see and know most of the jokes. For every trusted show you see, see an emerging voice, especially those MICFs who may challenge your assumptions about soooooo many things.


If you could see anyone (possible or impossible) in your audience, who would it be?
Kate Miller-Heidke (ooooooh or Amanda Palmer).

What is one of your favourite comedy festival memories?
2016, Lou Mapleston and I presented the first Pink Flappy Bits season at The Highlander. Despite being totally unknown, we sold out our first six shows ... then added two more. It seemed we'd tapped into a zeitgeist that really hit the sweet spot for a lot of AFAB, women and queer punters. This was perhaps the most exciting time I've had on stage. Feminist comedy felt like a comfort and a cause that would totally change my life.

Who is one of your favourite Melbourne Indie Celebratory Feminists?
Geraldine Quinn. I look up to her tremendously. She is an exceptionally talented singer performer and songwriter ... not to mention, a total badass.

What three shows are you not going miss this comedy festival?
Gillian English You're A Good Man, Dr Pirate
Annie Louey Annie Louey's Big Break
Jacqueline Mifsud Muffstud

What else could MICF stand for?
Melbourne's Intermittent Candida Fungus


GIVEAWAY COMPETITION

2 double passes to

Cousin Tara Wukkas
25 March
7.15pm
The Rattlesnake Saloon

EMAIL with COUSIN TARA COMPETITION in the subject
Closes on 20 March 2020

MICF: Annie Louey's Big Break

MELBOURNE INDEPENDENT CELEBRATORY FEMINIST
Annie Louey
Annie Louey's Big Break
26 March–19 April
Chinese Museum
comedyfestival.com.au

Annie Louey. Photo by Theresa Harrison

I first saw Annie perform about three years ago. I knew then that she was going to be one of those performers who let me have bragging rights of "I saw them when they first started".

If you could see anyone (possible or impossible) in your audience, who would it be?
Lucy Liu. Just for the Kill Bill references in this show and my sick martial arts choreography.

What is one of your favourite comedy festival memories?
Chinese folks I've never met coming to my show to support me only because we have the same surname. Honestly if your surname is Louey, just hit me up and I'll comp you in!

Who is one of your favourite Melbourne Indie Celebratory Feminists?
Liz Skitch, my director, because she's fierce and finds time to help other women no matter how busy life gets. I told her I was getting eaten alive by mosquitos while sleeping, so she came over and helped me put a mosquito net the same day – with her kids in tow.

What three shows are you not going miss this comedy festival?
Scout Boxall Good Egg
Anna Piper Scott Queer and Present Danger
No Apologies The Chat Show

What else could MICF stand for?
My incredibly comical farts.


GIVEAWAY COMPETITION

1 double pass to

Annie Louey's Big Break
28 March
8.30pm
Chinese Museum

EMAIL with ANNIE LOUEY COMPETITION in the subject
Closes on 24 March 2020

How to Fringe 2017: Annie Louey

Annie Louey
Stand-up comedian, actor

Butt Donut
12–17 September
The Mechanics Institute

Annoe Louey. Photo by Matt Kimpton at Verve Portraits

If you could invite anyone to your show (and you knew they would come), who would it be?
I would invite my dad. I wish he could see the art that I’ve made out of some really terrible times. I think he would have secretly enjoyed it.

The Melbourne Fringe in three words?
Inclusive, unconventional, empowering.

A favourite Melbourne Fringe memory.
Last year I performed in the Fringe as part of the sketch comedy group Dr Duck and I was involved in a two-person sketch about farts. Shortly after that sketch, an audience member let one rip on purpose because they thought it would be funny.

Your experience as an independent artist being part of the Melbourne Fringe.
As a first-time Fringe artist, my experience so far has been fantastic. I’m so glad I signed up because it has given me a goal to work towards and a huge amount of confidence. I finally feel comfortable telling people that I’m a comedian. I also went to all of the Fringe FAQ sessions and felt very supported by the Fringe family.

What makes the Melbourne Fringe unique.
It’s weird in the best way. And the size of the festival allows artists to stand out while being able to try new work in a safe environment.

Your advice for choosing what to see in the Melbourne Fringe.
Don’t be afraid to try something different. Check out what’s buzzing on social media. Sometimes I prefer to read comments from real audience members than reviewers.

Do you think there’s a better system than star ratings for reviews?
Why not get rid of stars and enforce the compliment sandwich.

Five shows/events that you will not miss at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe.
The Yonder. Stupid race through deep space. by Normal Children
Absolute (Un)certainty
Like Memes But Live
Estrella Wing, Showgirl by Margot Tanjutco
Tessa Waters: Volcano