Tarsh Jago’s comedy focuses on intersecting her queer and First Nations identities with a “tenacious spirit” that she embraces.
Naarm (Melbourne)-based comic Tarsh Jago made a big splash in Australian comedy when she placed second at 2023’s Deadly Funny, Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s (MICF) national comedy competition for Australia’s best new First Nations talent.
Now Jago returns to MICF – alongside Nathan Chin, Rachael Hornbuckle, Omar Gad, and Stella Kappos – as a Comedy Zoner. Through Comedy Zone, MICF has been spotlighting emerging waves of new comic talent for 25 years.
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Jago, an acting manager in Aboriginal Health Policy (with a law degree), has been settling into her sense of self as a stage performer in recent times, and enthusing about bringing joy to new audiences.
Fun fact: If you haven’t seen her perform, you might have seen her on TV. In 2022, she appeared as a contestant on Millionaire Hot Seat, but left empty-handed after missing a question about a bird (never mind all the correct answers she gave).
Her new show dives into her life as a queer blak woman, and celebrates the communities and people that she connects with.
In your 2022 appearance on Millionaire Hot Seat, you answered a lot of questions. What was the experience like for you?
Millionaire Hot Seat was a lot of fun. It was a chaotic day, and then I got out on a bird question.
How does this compare with standing on stage and bringing it?
It’s totally different. Hot Seat wasn’t a creative experience at all. Standing on stage and commanding a room and bringing joy and laughter is so much more fun.
What is your MICF show about?
It’s about life as a queer blak woman and the communities and people that hold and lift me.
What can you say about the process of writing the show?
It’s been a labour of love. Sometimes it writes itself, and other times it feels like pulling teeth.
On the MICF website, it states that you intersect queer and First Nations identities with a tenacious spirit. Can you expand on this?
There is a sheer tenacity of existing as a queer First Nations person. I intersect these parts of who I am to tell stories of my experiences, and to share my world view that has been shaped by this identity.
How do you feel about the standup environment as a forum to do this?
I feel incredibly lucky to have the stand up environment to share this. Laughter and storytelling is such an ingrained part of both Aboriginal and queer cultures, and I feel privileged to be given opportunities to do that.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
The last thing that made me laugh was the St Denis Medical sitcom.
Comparing yourself as a comedian today with your first year in comedy, what’s one of the major differences you see in yourself?
I think I’m much more relaxed now and that makes for a more chill stage presence. I’m no longer concerned about being for everyone and much more focused on being genuine and real.
Rebel Wilson (on Fat Pizza) was a comedy hero for you growing up. Why?
I think seeing a bold, fat woman on screen was huge in my formative years. I loved that show, despite its flaws, and think it was my first example of comedy on screen.
What are you looking forward to about performing at MICF?
I’m looking forward to the community of comics that the festival brings together, and to performing alongside the other Comedy Zone folk! I’m really looking forward to the Upfront Showcase too.
After MICF, what else do you have planned in 2025?
I’m hoping to write a solo show to debut in 2026, but I’m also hoping to find some time to make some pickles and bake sourdough and have some calm times.
See Tarsh Jago as part of MICF’s Comedy Zone between March 27-April 20. Find tickets here.
