Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Jamie Boiskin, Ovariacting: A Period Drama

There’s nothing funny about periods or endometriosis — or is there? Comedian and menstrual activist Jamie Boiskin even promises free tampons for her audience.

Jamie Boiskin Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

An hour packed with fabulous costumes, songs, props, tampon bullets from modified Nerf guns, sl-t drops and bloody performance art … as well as free tampons for all attending guests. What more could you want?

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If you’re new to MICF, tell us about you?

I’m New to MICF.

I’m a music theatre and cabaret performer, and a proud menstrual activist.

I have endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome and wrote this show to express my need to talk about it and destigmatise periods and endo after experiencing a heinous 35-day long period.

We’ve performed the show at the Melbourne Cabaret Festival 2018, and can’t wait to share with MICF guests.

Who should see your show, and why?

Aimed at women, and everyone who knows one — we enrol men as allies, highlight the true cost of silence and create a space to discuss women’s issues in a fun, rioting and informative way.

Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?

Betty Grumble — I’ve followed her for months on Instagram, and patiently awaited her return to Melbourne, she’s fierce and fabulous.

Double Denim — Saw a Double Denim show for the first time last comedy fest, and I couldn’t stop laughing. So fun.

Garry Starr — Love Garry. He always makes me laugh.

Zoe Coombs Marr — She opened for Ilana Glazer last year and had the audience in absolute tears for half an hour of comedy gold, she’s a genius.

Hannah Gadsby — After following her for a while, I cant wait to see what she does next with Douglas.

What do you love about Melbourne?

This city is buzzing with culture, there’s always something on, the food (OMG the coffee and wine … salivating) is another level.

People are friendly and love the city and all it has to offer. What stood out to me the first time I came to Melbourne were the laneways — you can spend an entire day just exploring all the laneways and what they have to offer.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Hannah Gadsby — hilarious, ground breaking and absolutely changing the game, she’s a comedy icon.

And John Mulaney — I love his style of observational comedy and personal anecdotes. I have watched his stand-up specials countless times and they always make me laugh.

Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?

We’re sponsored by local Melbourne sanitary product company T.O.M’s organic and you get free tampons when you come to the show.

JAMIE BOISKIN, OVARIACTING: A PERIOD DRAMA, APRIL 1-7, THE BUTTERFLY CLUB, 5 CARSON PLACE. BOOK TICKETS