One of the best things about the Auckland comedy scene right now is the explosion of voices from second generation NZers. It gives perspective to NZ that rarely gets broadcast space expect for really early on Sunday mornings.
The best critics of a culture are always those who have struggled to find their own sense of it. Pax Assadi’s exploration of his life in NZ as a recognisably middle eastern person in the wake of September 11 is very funny. Pretending to be Pacific Island so that he could avoid being seen as a terrorist creates some pure comedy moments.
My only criticism is that he pulled his punches towards the dominant culture too much for my liking. I was looking for a cracker roast and got a toasted marshmallow.
Must try harder to offend.
