Frida Deguise is Australia’s first Muslim comedian. After multiple sold-out shows and receiving 4 stars from Time Out at MICF 2018, she is bringing her new show ‘Living on a Prayer’ to Adelaide Fringe. Sam About Town caught up with Frida to find out more.
SAT: Thanks for your time Frida. Is this your first time performing at Adelaide Fringe?
FD: Yes it is. I am super nervous.
SAT: Could you please tell us more about your show?
FD: My show is about my upbringing as a muslim girl and how I became too Aussie to be Lebanese.
SAT: You are Australia’s first Muslim comedian. Was this a dream you had as a child? What inspired you?
FD: I never even thought of being a comedian but after 911 it put Muslims on the map so I just became more vocal; happiness was lost and I guess I didn’t want to be angry at the world, I just wanted to laugh.
SAT: You were raised by Muslim Lebanese parents. How do they feel about your career choice?
FD: My mum can’t get her head around it , but my dad tells me never to stop. I guess that shows why they’re divorced.
SAT: Growing up, were you torn at all between religion, family expectations and performing as a comedian?
FD: You’re always torn daily, but I guess you need to accept you can’t make everyone happy.
SAT: What is it like being a Muslim in Australia?
FD: I couldn’t wish to be anything else, I am so happy I have the best of both worlds.
SAT: Time Out has given you a 4 star review. Is this the same show or is there new material in this show?
FD: This is a whole new show; it’s stuff I was always too scared to talk about.
SAT: Is your show aimed for anyone in particular?
FD: No one in particular, anyone can come along that wants to laugh.
SAT: Is there a message you hope audiences will take away with them?
FD: I guess that us Muslims are just like the next guy.
Living on a Prayer is on March 7-9 at
Loft at A Club Adelaide
109 – 111 Waymouth St, Adelaide
Tickets can be purchased here:
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/living-on-a-prayer-af2019
