A unique take on disability, multiculturalism and young grief
''I'm so excited to open up about my disability in new and creative ways. It's something I'm learning to embrace as a comedian and performer.'
Jewish comedian Jeremy Moses intends to bring his unique take on disability, multiculturalism and young grief to the Sydney Fringe Festival in September and the Melbourne Fringe Festival in October.
In Sydney, his show is titled Jeremy Moses: 157 Hours of Bad Slam Poetry. Moses describes “bad slam poetry” as “a silly art form developed in the deepest depths of Victoria’s many lockdowns”. Moses show will tell tales of growing up legally blind, his big, diverse family and his beret-topped alter ego.
Born with a rare genetic condition affecting his eyesight and coordination, Moses said he intends to share the trials and tribulations of visual impairment, the often-funny difficulties of disability and the awkward misadventures that continue to plague his adulthood.
Discussing his upcoming shows, Moses said, “I’m so excited to open up about my disability in new and creative ways. It’s something I’m learning to embrace as a comedian and performer. I take comfort in being seen and using my story to celebrate the strengths of living with a disability.
“I’m performing my solo show in Sydney for the first time, to the fresh eyes of friends and family. It could make for some awkward family dinners if they disapprove.
I grew up in Bondi, so this feels like coming home, to a home I can no longer afford.”
In Melbourne, Moses will team up with Emilie Biggar for their comedy performance Hear/See No Evil. Biggar was born deaf/hard of hearing.
Commenting on the show Moses said, “My Melbourne show is my first time performing as a duo. She’s deaf and I’m blind, so we’re bound to butt heads. Emilie is a rising star in Melbourne comedy and I’m thrilled to share the stage with her. Our miscommunications, one-upmanship and underlying support for each other create an entirely unique chemistry. It’ll be chaos, but in the best way possible.” He added, “Our show has an old-fashioned variety feel, with circus stunts, dramatic monologues and even a song and dance number. Not bad for a disabled duo.”
Regarding the audience reactions to his shows, Moses said, “Feedback has been really lovely. Disability is something we will all live with or be touched by. Talking about it and celebrating it on stage helps us all gain understanding and empathy. I’ve found wordplay and silliness a perfect platform for this.”
“I’ve already seen a change in the comedy world since I started performing a year ago. Rooms are more diverse, audiences feel more welcome and disability is less of a punchline. Having diverse acts telling jokes about their lived experience is turning the tide for the better. I’m honoured to be part of that change.”
Jeremy Moses will perform at the Sydney Fringe Festival, September 21-22 at the Factory Theatre. Tickets.
Jeremy Moses and Emilie Biggar will perform at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, October 2-6 at Festival Hub. Tickets.
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