For 2017, The Melbourne Comedy Festival has set up Trades Hall as venue for up and coming comedians. It’s a nice way to go and see some lesser known names, and discover some hidden talent that you otherwise may not have seen. Suren Jayemanne falls into this category with his show Deus Eczemachina.
As the title alludes to, Suren does infact have eczema, but this is only a smart part of the show. Instead the audience given an insight into his life as a brown man living with a white girlfriend in the affluent Sydney suburb, Double Bay. Did you catch that? He has a white girlfriend. Don’t worry, if you missed it, he’ll let you know that he has a white girlfriend! It is all in jest though.
Unlike other comedians, who make fun of their lack of money, and potentially struggling lifestyle, Suren finds humour in his well off lifestyle as a brown man surrounded by yachts, house cleaners, and high class parties.
Jayemanne uses his heritage to broach the subjects of racism and multiculturalism, but does so in a very subtle way. His humour doesn’t slap you in the face and leave you rolling on the floor in laughter. Rather, he is much more restrained in his approach.
His quiet delivery, and understated jokes, will take the audience a couple of seconds to grasp, but when they do, the humour in the joke will hit them — followed by a realisation about the serious nature of racism in our country.
Suren Jayemanne is an up-and-coming comedian we will no doubt see more of in years to come. Deus Eczemachina is a lovely way to see him in an intimate venue and appreciate his subtle humour and clever wit.
– Moni
Moni is of Indian heritage, was born in England and has grown up in Australia. As a result, she appreciates all things fusion.
Deus Eczemachina runs from 30 March to 23 April 2017 (55mins) at Trades Hall. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is accessible.
Read The Plus Ones’ guide to MICF 2017, and visit often to see all our reviews.
