He’s creepy and he’s kooky, mysterious and spooky, all together ooky… and he’s funny too. Magic Steven presents his Melbourne Comedy Festival one-man show World of Feelings.
Tell me what you mean by ‘stream of consciousness’ comedy? What does this look or sound like onstage?
I’ve heard people use this description about my shows. I think it refers to the fact that I share my thoughts ‘unfiltered’. I try to catch passing thoughts that I might normally miss if I weren’t watching closely; write them down; and read them to audiences.
Why do you avoid the ‘setup/punch’ form of most comedic performers?
I wouldn’t say I avoid this form… more that I let my writing and note-taking take whichever form comes naturally. I try to not to force it into a preconceived vision of what it should be.
What are the themes that seem to occupy your set or performance at the moment?
Right now I’m thinking about how to be nicer to people, how to get a girlfriend, how to be a more fun person, how to be less self-absorbed, and how to become more confident.
How did you develop your more unusual style?
I’m not sure about the answer to this one. The main thing seemed to be trying to follow my intuition/instincts rather than being guided my preconceived ideas about what I was supposed to be doing. I try to trust myself as much as possible.
What are you trying to communicate with your audience in your shows – can you sum up your world view?
I’ve heard that it’s important to be nice to yourself and others, so I suppose that’s the underlying view. Also, like all comedians, I try to help people see the humorous side of life. Because it’s meant to have a healing effect.
How did you come to be a comedic performer?
The whole thing seemed to happen by itself. I was asked to make speeches a few times at friends’ and family weddings. Each one seem to be slightly more positively received than the one before, until the last one which, afterwards, I thought, that was sort of like standup comedy. Then I was walking past a place in Covent Garden, London, called the Poetry Cafe and there was a sign in the window which read ‘poetry/comedy night. 5min open mic spots available’. I did a spot and got hooked, started doing open mic spots as I was travelling around Europe. Then when I got back to Australia I started opening for bands and finally decided to put on a show for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I heard a spiritual teacher in South India say, ‘The world is not a group of people. Each individual is a world. If you want to change the world, first you have to change your heart. If you change your heart, it will change the world.’ I think that answer is better than any I could give you.
Who are the musicians, or artists, or fellow performers who you most identify with?
I like a comedy trio called Stella from Brooklyn NY; Andy Kaufman; Todd Glass; Chris Rock; Amy Schumer; Albert Brooks; Elliott Gould; Spalding Gray; Brett Gelman.
Describe your show in 10 words!
An attempt at honesty that may be seen as humorous.
What should we expect?
As my friend Esther once said to me: ‘Unexpect the Expected’.
Monday 13 July at the Brewery and Wednesday 15 July at Mullumbimby Ex-Services.
Both shows start at 8pm with doors at 7.30pm. Tix at the door or can be booked on 6619 0529. $10/15. (Tickets for Mullum show are also available at the club.)
