Khaled Khalafalla’s one night-only show Loose at the Comedy Store is the hour that you’ve always wanted. Nothing could prepare you for his devilish grin and his brazen presence. Khaled opens the show with his obvious quality, his ethnicity. He gets the uncomfortable stuff out of the way, pointing out the audience was 90 per cent white. It’s refreshing on how he takes on sensitive topics especially around his race.
He tries to desensitise the audience about his culture, amidst today’s political climate. He stresses the convictions being a Muslim and being Australian. But Khaled isn’t just about race jokes, he stifles away from talking about his brown skin or the differences between ‘Lebos’ and Arabic people. There’s something about him that is very relatable and very Australian…
Khaled shares his family dynamic: still living with his parents, his brother and father both being doctors or even his all worshipping over-the-top caring mother. He describes himself as the ‘dumb one’ in the family, impersonating his father and brother as very smart folks who talk ‘doctory stuff’. But despite that, he tries to legitimise his career and the comedic scene.
The casual setup at the Comedy Store is what made it more comfortable and enjoyable. Ordering drinks at your table, the dimly lit theatre and the red curtains gave this sensual ambience. It felt a little fancy, but not too fancy.
He’s edgy and unafraid to point things out like marrying cousins, the colour of his skin and constantly tries the funny side to things. Despite the modern-day alienation, Khaled unwinds and demystifies his audience into his authenticity. He compels you to become his friend and even invites you to like him on Facebook.
– Kevin
Kevin Rodrigueza is a 21-year-old Sydney local who enjoys burgers, theatre and all things culture. Follow his adventures at @kevinr___.
Find out more about Khaled Khalafalla and his future shows.
