American Comedians Find Creative Refuge in Australian Comedy Festivals

Two American comedians, Glace Chase and Ariana Di Lorenzo (performing as Ariana and the Rose), are bringing new shows to Australian comedy festivals while reflecting on the contrasting political and social climates between the United States and Australia. Glace Chase, a transgender playwright and performer, developed her stand-up show 'Glace's Big Things' after an emotional journey through rural Queensland during COVID-19 lockdowns. She describes feeling increasingly unsafe in the U.S. due to rising conservative politics and dehumanization of transgender people, finding more personal freedom in Australia. Her show will appear at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from April 2-19 and the Sydney Comedy Festival from May 6-10. Ariana Di Lorenzo presents 'The Breakup Variety Hour,' a cabaret-style performance exploring heartbreak, at the Melbourne festival from April 6-19 and Sydney from April 23-May 2. She discusses using joy as resistance and creating spaces for connection amid political tensions. Both artists highlight how Australian stages provide opportunities for artistic expression that feel constrained in the current American environment, with Chase noting comedy's role in truth-telling and Di Lorenzo emphasizing communal experiences.