Comedian Ting Lim, as seen on 'Fisk', 'Thank God You're Here' and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala stage, presents 'You Pho Real?'.
Ting, known for weaving cynicism and dry wit through her work, has already been invited to open for notable comedians like Jimeoin, Marty Sheargold and Beth Stelling. . . Not to mention touring several sold-out comedy shows across Singapore, New York, and of course Australia.
Her new show 'You Pho Real?' is a bowl of contradictions left to simmer too long – covering the juggle of identities, expectations and experiences that don't fit. It's funny until it's not. . . And then, it's even funnier.
Here, Ting reflects on a bit of personal experience as she lists the top five things Asian parents call 'love'.
One
Criticism. Expect criticism from the moment you wake till you are dead. This is not trauma. This is consistency.
Two
Comparing you to others. You are raised to look at everyone as competition – your cousins, your classmates even your own parents. Life is like 'Squid Game' with report cards.
Three
Feeding you aggressively. "Eat more, you are too skinny." Next week: “Why are you so fat?” You don’t grow up with self-esteem. You grow into it, and carry it with you everywhere you go.
Four
Financial lectures. Who needs “I love you” when you have compound interest advice? Watch your bank balance grow like the affection you never received.
Five
Not saying “I love you”. My parents never said I love you. They would say “Do you think money grow on trees?” You don’t hear the love. You experience it.
Ting Lim Australia Tour Dates
26 March-19 April – Melbourne Town Hall (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)
23-26 April – Brisbane Powerhouse (Brisbane Comedy Festival)
2-3 May – The Comedy Store (Sydney Comedy Festival)
