The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Nazeem Hussain
© Tony Briggs
Australian stand up comedian Nazeem Hussain’s latest show, Hussain in the Membrane, explores cultural identity in this day and age. He retells anecdotes from his Sri Lankan immigrant mother as well as finding the funny within issues relating to perceived in-groups and out-groups with regard to race, background and culture. Nazeem will be performing at Assembly George Square Studios throughout August.
1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?
Meeting other comedians, and watching lots of shows. Also, there’s something really amazing about a major city being in love, or at least involved, with the arts for a month.
2) What is your first Edinburgh show about?
As with my shows, it’s an hour of jokes and stories from my life over the last 12 months. I talk about harassing the CEO of a major telco in Australia over the course of a few months, to my mum finding a dead man in a toilet, to starting a family with a flag.
3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?
I still can’t figure out my audiences. Some like the political jokes, some just laugh at the silly character stuff. It’s a mix!
4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?
So far my accom has been mint!
5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far?
Meeting and opening for Dave Chappelle. He’s my comedy idol, and he is the nicest dude.
6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year?
I have no idea. I haven’t a clue who will be there, I’ll end up making a huge list when I’m there, and frantically see one tenth of the list in the final week.
7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year?
Being on stage for a month of shows can only be a good thing for a performer, right?
8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?
About my struggle with incurable gangrene.
BOOK TICKETS FOR NAZEEM HUSSAIN: HUSSAIN IN THE MEMBRANE, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL