Partner
A host of Melbourne International Comedy Festival comics gather to explore how comedy survives, thrives and occasionally lands a punch on authoritarianism.
The powerful often say they have a sense of humour. This turns out to be true – provided the joke is about someone else.
From public denunciations to legal action and intimidation, comedians across the world are increasingly required to work within narrowing spaces, where the right punchline at the expense of the wrong politician carries the risk of personal and professional consequences. When laughter is policed this closely, what does it reveal about the strength – and fragility – of power?
Join host Tom Ballard alongside leading comic voices Bahaa Dabbagh, Leon Filewood and Sam Jay for a timely conversation on the role and power of comedy in an age of rising authoritarianism.
Presented in partnership with Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Saturday 28 March
2.00 - 3.15pm
Tickets
$29.50
Full
$24.50
Concession
Location
Accessibility
Accessible toilets available
Assistive Listening
Auslan interpreting available by-request
Companion tickets available
Registered Assistance Animals welcome
Wheelchair accessible
For information regarding accessibility at The Wheeler Centre, click here.
Please notify us of all access requirements when booking online so we can assist you with your visit. If you require further information, please contact ticketing@wheelercentre.com.
Additional Notes
Melbourne was designated the world’s second UNESCO City of Literature in 2008. As part of this global network, we strive to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 goals designed to promote fairness, health and environmental sustainability worldwide.
This event addresses Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Featuring
Tom Ballard
Tom Ballard is an award-winning Australian standup who’s trying to save the world with comedy. Since becoming the youngest ever winner of the Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Best Newcomer Award, Tom has ...
Bahaa Dabbagh
Hailing all the way from Syria, Bahaa’s comedy is so dark it gets “randomly” selected for inspection. A writer, comedian and full-time cat whisperer, Bahaa blends sharp wit with personal stories about displacement, ...
Sam Jay
An Emmy-nominated writer (Saturday Night Live), producer and star of HBO series Pause with Sam Jay, with two critically acclaimed specials – 3 In The Morning (Netflix) and Sam Jay: Salute Me or Shoot Me (HBO) on her resumé, Sam is 'one of the most exciting provocateurs in comedy right now' (The New York Times).
Alongside her Best Show nomination at the the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, Sam won the Uprise Award that recognises shows that challenge dominant narratives, offer fresh perspectives and spark conversation.
Leon Filewood
Leon Filewood is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedian rapidly making his mark on the Australian scene. A recipient of the 2026 Moosehead Award, Leon captured audiences with his acclaimed ...