Strangely innocent, funny and eccentric
Meet Stevl Shefn – an enthusiastic man who speaks an unknown language, a tongue twisting childish gobbledygook that apparently means something quite different to what it sounds. And then there’s Fatima – a woman from the same unknown country, except her voice is very beautiful, low and sophisticated. At odds with Stevl’s childish playfulness, she translates… but is she actually translating what he is saying or is she having a joke at everyone’s expense.
Combining voice play, physical humour and musical numbers with genuinely witty story telling, Stevl and Fatima take you on an off-beat and darkly funny journey through relationships. From dating to break-up, psychology to politics, it’s a subject that translates riotously when this duo is in charge.
Winner Best Comedy – Adelaide Fringe 2010 Winner IAF Award for Innovation– Adelaide Critics’ Circle 2010 Winner Best Show -comedy (professional category) Adelaide Theatre Guide 2011 Moosehead Recipient & Golden Gibbo Award Nominee – Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010 Best Comedy Nominee – Fringe World – Perth 2012 Finalist Best Comedy – Sydney Fringe 2012
“The magic of finding a smart thinker with a fantastically unique perspective on the world was the biggest joy of this show” (ArtsHub) read more
“ruthlessly intelligent and meticulously presented… Sheehan manages to find a balance of warmth and pathos among the laughs” (Adelaide Theatre Guide) read more
“let the benign weirdness wash over you while waiting for the occassional moments of hilarious warped brilliance to erupt” (Chortle Magazine) read more
“sweet strangely innocent, funny and eccentric… unlike anything you’ll see at the festival, possibly ever” (Groggy Squirrel) read more
“a truly beautiful deviation from the traditional three beat rhythms of performance… a fine example of the imagination going gently wild. Go catch it if you can.” (Theatre Junkies) read more
“Sheehan and Beech, in tandem, are one of the best laughter machines.” (Australian Stage) read more
“a compellingly odd performance” (The Age Review) read more
photo credits: Sam Oster
Brief Synopsis: A man speaking gibberish translated by a woman wearing a burqa tells a fantastical tale about his relationships. One story involves a vacuum cleaner who makes an appearance onstage. Adult themes. Duration 45mins.
Stage requirements: 3m x 4m. Tech requirements: 1 x mic, 1 x DC for electric piano. Sound: CD player. Lights: One special light state plus general wash. 2 hour tech and initial set up. 15 minute set up/pull down.
Poster for Sydney Fringe season at New Theatre 2012
SEASONS
Premiere season 2010 Adelaide Fringe
2010 Melbourne Comedy Festival
May 2010 Marion Cultural Centre
2010 Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival
November 2010 Crimson Goat Cabaret Club and The Butterfly Club Melbourne
2011 Adelaide Fringe Garden of Unearthly Delights
2011 Brisbane Comedy Festival
2012 Fringe World – Perth
2012 Sydney Fringe Festival
2013 Desert Fringe Port Augusta
steve sheehan 