Arj Barker’s widely anticipated participation in the 2009 Fringe Festival comes to Melbourne in the form of a one-hour stand up act titled Keeper or Crapper!Comedians are heralded for their ability to place a spin on various matters, honing in on aspects of the ordinary, even mundane, for a laugh. For years now, Barker (whose off stage name is Arjan Singh) has held onto his title of one of the most acclaimed international comedians. So what differentiates him from others in the same comic league? How does Barker stay on top of his game?
Minimally yet intimately staged at the Lithuanian Club in North Melbourne (Barker is himself Indian-American). Swearing for emphasis, manipulating his voice with the hand held mike, being self-aware and not taking himself seriously for one minute are all part of the Barker charm: ‘I’m a comedian and I’ve got a lot of shit to notice.’ What follows is a clever cocktail of imaginative stories come jokes told in a ‘nothing to lose’ manner, a touch of audience interaction, and a number of quirky self-invented acronyms.
It is rather fitting that Barker started his career back in 1997 on a comedy television show called Premium Blend. Because that’s exactly what he offers today.
Mary Tobin presents
Keeper or Crapper!
Arj Barker
Venue: Main Theatre, Lithuanian Club, 44 Errol St, North Melbourne
Previews: 25 - 27 Sept 2009
Dates: 29 Sept - 10 Oct 2009
Times: 25th September - 10th October 7.30pm (6.30pm Sundays) | Excluding Mondays
Tickets: Preview $20.00, Conc $22.00, Full $25.00, Group $22.00, Tightarse Tues $20.00
Bookings: Festival Tix: 03 9660 9666 or www.melbournefringe.com.au
