Imaan Hadchiti

  

Jesus has finally returned to Earth, unaware that the 2012 prophecy is technically a Mayan one. He’s here to save us and spread the Word of the Lord by the most Holy modern method - as a Late Night Variety Show Host. All praise lapsed Christian Imaan Hadchiti, as he brings his old mate Jesus to The Melbourne International Comedy Festival at the Upstairs Lounge to host the best international and local comedians and performance artists from the Festival in a late night variety hour. Featuring performances and on-stage interviews with the artists, Jesus will dare ask questions about religious beliefs, evolution vs creation, heaven and hell and everything in-between.

Imaan Hadchiti spoke with us ahead of his Adelaide Fringe performances.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I have always wanted to be a comedian even before I knew what comedians did. I was born with the talent of being a smart-arse.

When did you know you would work in the arts?
When I was 15 I entered a comedy competition called Class Clowns (which I won) and once I got bitten by the comedy bug, I knew that I would not have to work an honest days work for the rest of my life.......its a good feeling.

How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?
My Comedy is insight of my life, all my material stems from actual experiences of ignorant questions, condescending kindness in bold and frank delivery. Rude with a Smile :)

Is there a mission to your work?
I guess so... not purposely however I am quite passionate about people thinking before they speak. Its not about Political Correction but about common sense. And also people respecting personal space I tell numerous stories about ignorant questions that I have been asked and stupid things people do like physically pick me up with asking this behaviour is not acceptable and the best way to tell people to stop is by the joke being made on the person who is being ignorant and stupid.

What's your background – what did you study to get to where you are?
I studied in a Catholic school so not much really. My inbuilt questioning of everything around me got me to where I am as a comic.

What's the first thing career related you usually do each day?
Check my email.

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?
No. there is nothing average about the work day. A lot of my days spent traveling to see the world. And then convert that into jokes

What's the one thing - piece of equipment, toy, security blanket, – you can't work without?
I cannot read my own handwriting. But luckily I am Gen Y as my baby is my Laptop.

Who in the industry most inspires you?
I am a bit of comedy geek. There are a handful of comics that just make sense. A favourite amongst most comics is the 'dark poet' Bill Hicks who is no longer alive his comedy is so well crafted and poignant. His ability to question his own audiences beliefs is such a Brash manner and still get a laugh is awe-inspiring.

Steve Hughes is also cut from the same tree but with a dinky dye aussie accent. Who speaks a lot calmer.

But I cannot go past Stewart Lee. A true stand-up comic not a comedian turned actor or tv presenter but a comic who sticks to his craft and his comedy writings are very carefully crafted.

What in the industry do you despair about?
I fear that if I answer this question I may never get a gig again.......

What is the best thing about your job?
The fact that this is my job. I get paid to talk about things on my mind. What more could I ask for.

What are the top three skills you need in this industry?
Comedic Timing, originality and people skills......2 out of three ain't too bad.

What advice would you give anyone looking to break into your field?
Be Funny and the rest will come.

Which of the below phrases best suits your career development to date and why?

a. "The road to success is always under construction. "
b. "Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor."
c. "Success is best measured by how far you've come with the talents you've been given. "
d. "No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself."

b) Best describes my career development as I am a keen dancer. My ability to socialize has helped me make the contacts necessary to move forward. Talent can only get you so far. You need to be able to connect with people off the stage as well as on.

When do you know you’ve made it?
I feel I have already made it. I am living my dream. I am able to live off something I love . Travelling around the world telling jokes. I would be greedy if I wanted more but if more comes I'm not going to push it away but for now I am content.