Abigoliah Schamaun Girl Going To Hell Interview

Abigoliah Schamaun Girl Going To Hell Interview

Fresh from her polarising shows at Adelaide Fringe, New York-based stand-up comedian Abigoliah Schamaun brings her subversive show, "Girl Going To Hell" to Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with nightly performances at The Tuxedo Cat, popping up at 17-23 Wills Street, Melbourne at 9.45pm (8.45pm on Sundays) from Wednesday, March 27th to Tuesday, April 9th.

During her one-hour show which features daredevil sight gags that will make your eyes water, Abigoliah confesses the sins and transgressions she's made throughout her life.

May you forgive her and find her hilarious.

She's had a big year, and this brand new hour of stand-up will give you a salty taste of it. Along with tales of 'killing it' at her father's eulogy, Abigoliah shares the intimate, often blue details of her guilty pleasures, and the pleasure she finds in guilt.

With a mind for sin, and a body for comedy, Abigoliah Schamaun is back for her second year to grab Melbourne by the balls, whisper sweet nothings in its ear, but never kiss it on the mouth.

Schamaun has had international success with her two stand-up shows "Beacon of Health and Fitness" and "Fabulous Abs". Along with playing clubs and theatres in the US and London; she has also performed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival (2011), Melbourne International Comedy Festival (2011), The Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2010, 2011, 2012), and North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival (2012).

In the name of Daddy-O, Junior, and the Spook- Abigoliah Schamaun is definitely going to Hell.
www.abigoliah.com

Abigoliah Schauman: Girl Going To Hell
Where: The Tuxedo Cat, 17-23 Wills St, Melbourne
When: March 27th - April 9th (9.45pm Mon-Sat (no show on Wednesdays, except opening night), 8.45pm Sundays
Tickets: $20/$16 ($15 on Tightarse Tuesdays)
www.comedyfestival.com.au

Interview with Abigoliah Schamaun

Question: What are you looking forward to about returning to Melbourne for your show?

Abigoliah Schamaun: I'm looking forward to eating a lot of poached eggs, coffee, and pho before and after the show. Oh, and making people laugh; I like that part of MICF as well.

Question: What should Melbourne audiences expect from Girl Going To Hell?

Abigoliah Schamaun: A lot of true stories about sexual mishaps, death, and then I'll set my hand on fire. After seeing the show, a friend of mine said I should have just called it "F*&king and Death" - maybe next year.


Question: Can you share with us one of your sins, that may or may not be featured in the show?

Abigoliah Schamaun: I eat peanut butter straight from the jar (very gluttonous) and I steal my roommate's q-tips. These are the big sins that are too controversial to put in the show.


Question: What originally inspired you to start trying these daredevil sight gags?

Abigoliah Schamaun: I run a variety show in New York City called "Abigoliah's Bizarre Bazaar" that features stand up and side show acts and a magician friend of mine said he could teach me how to do side show, such as eat glass (My favourite part of telling that story is telling people I'm friends with a wizard)!


Question: Do you honestly care that you're going to hell?

Abigoliah Schamaun: No. I don't think I honestly believe in the place. But the title, "Girl Going to Where Ever a Person Goes When they Haven't Been on Their Best Behaviour" doesn't roll off the tongue as well.


Question: When did you know comedic work was for you?

Abigoliah Schamaun: Ever since I was little I loved making my family laugh. I used to put on little shows for them in the living room with my brother and sisters. In college I majored in musical theatre and I was always given the funny rolls. Then I tried stand up and realised that I could cut the whole singing part out and keep the funny part, I was never a great singer.


Question: When you're not performing, what do you do?
Abigoliah Schamaun: I teach Bikram Yoga. I also like staring at the ceiling and debate the worth of the day; basically trying to find an excuse to stay in bed. That's actually where I am now while I write this, but I'm staring at my computer, which is not on the ceiling, if it was I'd NEVER leave my bed.


Question: What's the craziest thing you've done whilst performing?

Abigoliah Schamaun: Did I mention I eat a light bulb in this show? What more do you people want from me?! But seriously, last Edinburgh Fringe at 'Late n Live', I pulled two men on stage and had them make out with me; they were very attractive so you know it was a good idea.


Question: Who do you test your material on, prior to hitting the stage?

Abigoliah Schamaun: It's a lot of asking my roommate "Do you think this is funny...?" while hiding q-tips behind my back; I have to distract her with a new shiny joke otherwise she'll suspect something!


Interview by Brooke Hunter