Stand-up comedian, writer and podcaster Bronwyn Isaac has started a new life, and she's made a show about it after a crow on her balcony asked why she moved to Amsterdam.
Bronwyn left her life as a reporter in New York City to follow her girlfriend overseas.
“'Why Are You Here' is all about my process of taking the giant leap across the pond, from the US to Europe, and all the chaos involved in that decision,” Bronwyn describes. “It's easy to daydream about packing up your life and moving, but the reality of immigration and building a new life is far more absurd and at times scary! The absurd and the scary is where I believe the funniest material lives. My show is about gay love, political extremism, keeping a sense of curiosity, and the inspiration of my late horny grandma. It's also an excuse to make fun of an awful billionaire I used to work for!”
One thing Bronwyn knew for sure when she moved to Amsterdam, was that she was leaving America's latest descent into madness behind. When she got to her destination, she thought it all might make for some pretty excellent material.
“When people in Amsterdam asked why I moved there, I don't have a short answer like 'a job' or 'school',” Bronwyn admits. “So, I thought it'd be funny to write a whole hour answering that question, diving into the different coinciding life areas that exploded at the same time. Now, when people ask why I live in Amsterdam, I can just tell them to come to my show to find out. It's very convenient for me and probably quite annoying for them.”
Bronwyn will bring this hour to Melbourne audiences, for Melbourne International Comedy Festival – an event she says is pretty unbelievable to be a part of.
On top of that, this will be the first time Bronwyn has touched down, down under.
“I am over-the-moon excited to be surrounded by so much talent. I've watched clips of comedians crushing it at MICF for years, and it feels surreal to get to join the ranks, and come see other people's brilliance and unhinged ideas in the flesh.”
“When it comes to my show, I'm eager to see which material universally connects with people, and what jokes hit differently in a new country (this is my first Australia trip!). I also am excited to see the sun again, and get Vitamin D that's not from a pill.
“I want people to feel a bit less alone with their fears, whether those fears are around love, politics, their sexuality, or whether their deceased Nana would hook up with a cop (last one might be a bit specific). And of course, I hope they laugh and think I'm funny!”
Bronwyn Isaac plays The Motley Spielhaus (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 23 March-5 April.
