After four decades as a political satirist, Rod is match fit and still delivering knock-out blows. His sell-out return to the Athenaeum Theatre in November last year saw him give a lesson in subversive, intelligent and engaged comedy and reminded audiences why he is the patriarch of Melbourne’s comedy scene.
Although he’s probably best known for his subversive use of humour to champion social causes Rod also managed to pioneer stand-up comedy in Melbourne, sat on the board of the very first Melbourne comedy festival, turn public transport into a venue and co-conceived and starred in Australia, You’re Standing In It, ABC TV’s first Melbourne comedy production and the door-opener for all that followed.
Rod‘s contribution to Australian cultural life was recognised when he received the Individual Award at the 2004 Sydney Myer Performing Arts Awards.
Australian politics is backed into a corner of its own devising – with politicians only concerned with the business of power and pundits cheering on the collective race to the bottom. Never has Rod Quantock’s unrivalled capacity to incite considered conversations and debate been more necessary.
