Detained refugees, desperate individuals looking for asylum and political brainwashing don't immediately come to mind as a comic material ripe for the taking. However, Tom Ballard isn't an ordinary comedian. In the last year alone, the award-winning comic has presented a special LGBTIQ edition of Q&A, run a politically charged podcast and has acted as an ambassador for Welcome Australia.
In this so-called 'comedy lecture', Ballard will present his findings on how Australia has arrived to its current situation (White Australia, Tampa, Tony Abbott and all) and where we should go next. He'll even share his experiences visiting a detention centre – all while attempting to make audiences laugh.
This Moosehead-backed show, directed by Scott Edgar, promises to be one of the more unique offerings at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
For more insight into Tom Ballard, read Time Out's interview with the comic as he tours across the country.