Interview: Magic Steven

Australian ‘anti-comic’ Magic Steven performs this Saturday at Cafe Kino. 

Magic Steven’s work has been alternately described as ‘autobiographical storytelling’, ‘deadpan not-comedy’, ‘guided meditation’ and ‘long-form beat poetry’.

“This deadpan, under-the-radar comedy of storytelling ascends to a superlative estimation of the conditions of human connection” – Peril Magazine

‘Anti-comic’: is that your description, or AN Other’s? And is it one that you’re happy with?
I didn’t choose that one. I haven’t used that before, I think this may be the first time anyone’s used that term in relation to my stuff. Personally I have difficulty describing what I do (see also next question!).

Autobiographical storytelling, deadpan not-comedy, guided meditation, long-form beat poetry: are any of these fair descriptions of your act?
Autobiographical storytelling is definitely accurate. Deadpan not-comedy is also accurate… but I wouldn’t use that description when talking about myself, as I would feel somewhat pretentious. Fortunately someone else said it, which was helpful. Guided meditation is a term someone pulled out after one of my shows, I like it. All performers, particularly verbal ones, are kind of guiding our thoughts when we watch & listen to them… for better or worse. Long-form beat poetry is interesting, as I don’t know anything about poetry. However I read from a notebook at my shows, which visually is associated with poetry I think.

Will we spend more time on the night laughing, or feeling moved, or…?
I hope you will laugh, as of course laughter is one of the best feelings out there. I don’t know if you will be moved, I can’t vouch for that. Again, I hope so! 

Do you feel associated with the comedy and/or spoken word scenes in Australia? And/or are there any UK performers to whom you feel an affinity? I wonder if e.g. the poignant, poetic standup-cum-storytelling of Daniel Kitson or Josie Long is in your ballpark…
In Australia I like to perform in as wide a variety of contexts as possible, from Comedy Festivals to poetry nights, to art galleries and art festivals like ‘Dark Mofo’, to opening for bands and musicians. I haven’t seen Daniel Kitson yet but his name comes up constantly amongst my friends and people whose opinions I respect. So I’d really like to see him perform.
I love British comedy in general, especially the work of people like Chris Morris, Charlie Brooker, Julia Davis, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, The Mighty Boosh, Stewart Lee and Steve Coogan. I would also mention the music of Hamilton Yarns, Bill Fay, Simon Finn and heaps of British folk stuff like Nic Jones, Shirley Collins and Lal Waterson. And I love the movie Ring of Bright Water too.

Magic Steven performs at Cafe Kino on Saturday, November 28, with support from Chuman. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/events/579695065518193