For those not familiar with Kate Dehnert’s style of comedy, it can best be described as absurd yet charming.
Her past two MICF shows, Noise Adventure and Pony Yell, have seen her gallivant, glitter-clad around small CBD stages, spouting fantastical tales about horses with back problems and the first human voyage to Mars, often to the electronic beats of the various musical toys that have become a defining part of her act.
This year, Dehnert returns more manic than ever with Shabamalam, in which she uses the cataclysmic event of an asteroid hitting Earth to reflect on how humans are equal parts stupid and loveable.
“It’s easily the craziest thing I’ve ever written,” Dehnert says of the show. “But I think it’s the best thing I’ve written at the same time.”
Perhaps because of its energetic and highly individual character, Dehnert’s work has been received warmly by critics and fans alike, and she says over the years her act has become more polished even with the mayhem it entails.
“I guess my style is more developed now. I mean, I still kind of get a whole lot of ideas and throw them together – I think that’s sort of what my schtick is – but definitely I feel more refined.”
Her development as a comedian received a significant boost in October, when she became one of four recipients of a Moosehead grant. The Mooseheads are local awards that support comedians with “mental and overly ambitious” ideas, while offering recipients funding along with their very own director and producer to help create their show as part of the MICF.
“It’s meant that I’ve have more time to work on comedy,” Dehnert says of the value of the Moosehead. Most comedians have to have a day job until they’re on TV, and so this meant I could actually do the show justice.
“You have all these grandiose ideas for a show, but the harsh realities of life mean you often don’t have enough time to work on them. So having that extra month up my sleeve to prepare, it’s been huge, it’s been amazing.”
Local comedy favorite Colin Lane has been brought in as director of Shabamalam as part of the Moosehead award, and Dehnert says Lane’s input into her work has been “fantastic”.
“Colin has a very different point of view, which is very silly and light hearted and kind of cynical, but I like that. It’s valuable just having someone outside of your show just look at it with those years of experience behind them and see opportunity for funny in places you wouldn’t have seen yourself, because you’re standing in the middle of it.”
In some ways it’s fitting that the venue for Shabamalam is ACMI. One of the film museum’s stated aims is to be a vibrant space – both physical and digital – that unlocks new types of creativity.
Dehnert is certainly bringing new creativity to her comedy shows with her use of pint-sized electronic instruments, though she says this is as much about self-gratification as it is creating a unique show.
“It’s kind of like reading a book in a way. The audio gives you hints and you can visualize the rest, so it means everyone can get their own thing out of it. But ultimately it’s purely for selfish reasons, I just enjoy doing it.”
Ultimately, Dehnert agrees that her shows are for people looking for something different to the normal standup experience.
“I can definitely offer that,” she says. “It’s original, fun and ridiculous – and it kind of works for me.”
By Alexander Darling
Venue: ACMI – Games Room, Federation Square, CBD
Dates: March 24 – April 17 (except Mondays)
Times: 8.15pm (Sundays 7.15pm)
Tickets: $20 – $25
