The first sketch Vachel ever wrote was called ‘You Greek?’
It plays with the idea of whether the character is shaping the story or the story is shaping the story.
It was about the ability old Greek men at being able to spot and approach a fellow Greek in the community.
“They approach you because they think you look Greek. They have a good eye, they can spot you from 50 metres away.”
A great comedy writer is one whose able to take an everyday occurrence and thrust it into the general consensus.
Who hasn’t walked past an old Greek man or lady and heard “You Greek?”
Last time this happened to me, I was stuck translating legal documents on a Saturday afternoon.
“I try to steer clear of making ethnic comedy, but there have been a few Greek characters in there… Spaniards, Italians, Mexicans and Frenchman. It’s the European nose.”
Vachel started out writing and performing at university.
For the past two years, he has been one-fourth of the performance group, Vigilantelope.
But his Melbourne Fringe Festival show, ‘The Hermitude of Angus, Ecstatic,’ is different.
“It focuses on a lone protagonist and the characters he interacts with. It’s just me on stage for an hour so…In this show there is much more interaction with the audience,” he said.
“This show is still narrative-based, but is a bit more experimental in the way it’s put together. It plays with the idea of whether the character is shaping the story or the story is shaping the story.
“All in all, it’s still a framework for a lot of silliness, physical comedy, dancing and intimate moments with baked goods.”
Melbourne born and bred, Vachel said he is lucky to be part of a city that has such a “large, healthy and diverse comedy scene.”
“Having one of the premier comedy festivals in the world helps. Every year some of the best from around the world come here to perform,” he said.
“But there’s great stuff happening all year round, across different festivals, and in rooms and regular nights all over the city.”
Dates: 24/09/2010 – 09/10/2010
Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au