Polish clown Piotr Sikora, aka Furiozo, is bringing his acclaimed show 'Man Looking For Trouble', to Brisbane and Sydney Comedy Festivals.
Furiozo, inspired by Polish hooligan subculture, blends elements of absurd humour and clowning. Created by Piotr, Furiozo is a satirical take on a rebellious, hyper-masculine figure.
In 'Man Looking For Trouble', Furiozo is painted as a disturbing yet funny portrait of toxic masculinity.
Here, we speak to the man behind the beast, Piotr Sikora, about his critically acclaimed character, and the antics he'll be bringing to Brisbane and Sydney.
What inspired you to create a character like Furiozo, and what message are you hoping to convey?
There are two dimensions to the show. First and foremost, I wanted it to be a stupid, ridiculous experience – something that brings us together in the pure joy of being silly. But on a deeper level, I see stupidity as a tool to connect with the audience and gently poke at them. Without being too direct, I explore themes like the cycle of violence, masculinity, and trans-generational trauma. That said, the show is intentionally dumb and chaotic – I’m not here to push a message. I prefer to leave doors open and let the audience interpret what they feel. Performing without words really helps with that.
Critics have noted the intense audience interaction in your performances. How do you balance Furiozo's aggressive demeanour with creating a fun and engaging experience for the audience?
In real life, I’m actually quite a gentle guy, so breaking the character comes naturally to me. Furiozo is like my shadow – I know how to tame him so he can be accepted by the audience, and he knows how to pull me out of my usual 'nice guy' shell and make things more fun. We’ve developed a mutual respect. That relationship helps me navigate the edge between intensity and playfulness.
Your performances are wordless, relying heavily on physical comedy and mime. What challenges and freedoms does this style present compared to traditional stand-up comedy?
For me, performing without words creates a more open and engaging experience. It invites the audience to form their own opinions, instead of being told what to think. Words can be controlling, but silence allows space. It’s definitely more challenging – but also much more rewarding. At least for me.
The show has been praised for its emotional depth, revealing a softer side to Furiozo amid the chaos. How do you navigate blending these contrasting elements within the performance?
I believe that all these so-called 'tough guys' are just as human as anyone else – they’re often hiding behind that macho facade for personal reasons. This show is partly my fantasy of what their softness could look like. Is it accurate? Who knows. But I like imagining what’s underneath all that toughness.
Having performed internationally, including critically acclaimed runs at Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, how have different audiences reacted to Furiozo's antics? Any memorable experiences that stand out?
There have been so many! I’ve done around 150 shows so far. Melbourne has a special place in my heart – it’s where the show really took off. People were storming Motley Bauhaus to get in, and the energy was just incredible. Recently I performed in India and Taiwan, and it felt amazing to connect with audiences even when we didn’t share a language. Furiozo is deeply rooted in Polish culture, but somehow he resonates across borders. I think I’ve managed to tap into a universal archetype – the hooligan – and that makes me so happy. It was always a dream to make people laugh all around the world.
The show features themes of crime, toxic masculinity, and a quest for the thrill of true love. How much of Furiozo's journey is drawn from personal experiences or observations?
Like all of us, I’ve observed things – sometimes closely, sometimes from afar. Furiozo is not exactly me, but he’s made from fragments of me, people I’ve known, and the world I grew up in. He’s an exaggerated version of something real. The quest for love and belonging – however twisted – feels deeply human to me.
What can audiences expect from 'Man Looking For Trouble'? Any moments you're particularly excited to share (without spoiling too much)?
Expect chaos. Expect stupidity. Expect to laugh at things you’re not sure you’re supposed to laugh at. It’s a rollercoaster of absurdity with a surprisingly soft underbelly. There are a few moments that catch people off guard – emotionally or otherwise – but I won’t spoil the fun. Come with an open heart and a readiness to be surprised.
Furiozo plays Brisbane Powerhouse (Brisbane Comedy Festival) 26 April, and Factory Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival) 30 April-4 May.
