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Jeez Louise: Deadly Funny Women for Reconciliation Week

For Reconciliation Week 2022, hear from Steph Tisdell, Karla Hart and Maureen French as they reflect on the stories, opportunities and challenges faced by First Nations peoples in the world of comedy.

Event and Ticketing Details

Dates & Times

Friday 27 May — Friday 03 June
10:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Location

Online Event

Accessibility

Closed Captioned

Additional Notes

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures. Learn more

About

Australian comedian Linda Haggar launched Jeez Louise with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival two decades ago, at a time when the pathways for women into professional comedy were more difficult to navigate. The program continues to encourage women to become comedians, and support and celebrate those already in the industry, with panel discussions, keynote speeches, industry dinners and development workshops. All dedicated to listening to, understanding and amplifying the lived experiences of women in the entertainment industry. At this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Jeez Louise focused in on the deadliest women in the biz by looking at the stories, opportunities and challenges faced by First Nations Australians in the world of comedy. Panellists Steph Tisdell, Karla Hart and Maureen French discuss firsthand how they have found solace, space and success by spinning their yarns on the page, the stage and the screen, to audiences around the globe. The online panel is free to watch by registering online at comedyfestival.com.au. Once you have registered for a free ticket, content will be available in the On Demand section of your Melbourne International Comedy Festival account (from Friday 27 May - Friday 3 June). For more information on how you can participate in Reconciliation Week or to view more events, visit nrw.reconciliation.org.au. Be Brave. Make Change. Presented in partnership with Melbourne International Comedy Festival  

Featuring

Karla Hart

Karla studied Aboriginal Theatre at WAAPA and is Alumni and holds a BA in Contemporary Arts majoring in Performing Arts from Edith Cowan University. Karla holds the 2021 Aboriginal Award for West Australian of the Year. Karla is an award-winning filmmaker, actress and radio personality. Karla was Perth’s NAIDOC Artist of the Year in 2009 and 2017 and holds a 2020 International ImagineNATIVE Award, WA Screen Award, WA Fringe Award, WA Performing Arts Award and a Deadly Award. Karla’s film credits include NITV and AFL sports entertainment show Yokayi Footy series 1, 2 and 3, Cinefest finalist short drama Tooly, Family Rules Series 1, 2 and 3 (NITV), On Country Kitchen Series 1 an 2 (NITV), Virtual Whadjuk (VR project), Nyoongar Footy Magic (NITV) and other short documentary films. To date Karla’s film credits are over 90 full lengths episodes on television. Karla has an extensive background in radio, in theatre, as a Noongar cultural dancer and choreographer, singer and speaker, MC, workshop facilitator for dance, Noongar language and performance and major event curator for over 10 years plus across City of Perth and performs with Noongar dance group Kwarbah Djookian singing in language for over 10 years.
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Steph Tisdell

Deadly Funny Comedy National Winner 2014, Steph was named Funniest Aboriginal Woman in Australia. She then moved to Scotland and was runner-up in Hilarity Bites Best Newcomer and a semi-finalist in the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition at the Edinburgh Fringe. Aside from touring across the country with Aboriginal Comedy Allstars and performing at various live comedy venues and events throughout Australia, 2018 has seen Steph premiere her first full length solo show Identity Steft. In her World Premiere at the Adelaide Fringe Festival she was crowned 'Best New Emerging Artist'.
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Maureen French

Maureen French is a 70 year old Darug elder. Registered nurse still working in anaesthetics. Part-time stand up comedian. A wife, a mother and a nanna.
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