The Amos Agenda

Freshly returning from his first hiatus in years, the witty Stephen K Amos is now back in Australia and heading to the Adelaide Fringe Festival with his new show Laughter is my agenda.

Known as an out gay comedian, Stephen K Amos says not much changed in his performances after speaking publicly for the first time about his sexuality during a show in 2006.

“Anyone who knows me knows exactly who I am and what I am about and basically when I said something in a show I said it in a flippant sort of ‘by the way I’m attracted to men’,” he says.

“That’s all I said…and rather naively I just assumed people would go ‘oh right’ but people went ‘oh my god he’s coming out’…and a few people gasping but apart from that it was fine.”

Audience reactions around the world have been much the same, he says.

However, overseas following one show a crowd member spoke to Amos about the inspiration he received to ‘come out’ to his parents after the performance. Amos has yet to hear of such an experience in Australia but says it still could happen.

“I’m assuming it must happen, because when I do my stuff and talk about things, I talk about it from a ‘silly person’ and ‘real’ point of view, just so that I can let people know ‘look at me I am a big strapping black man’ who doesn’t really fall into any particular stereotype,” he says.

“If I can do it openly and proudly, then surely that makes it easier for other people. Particularly our young people who should be encouraged to find who they are and be proud of who they are.”

A British comedian, Amos returned to Australia the same time Federal Opposition immigration spokesperson Teresa Gambaro said immigrants would fit better in Australia with lessons in hygiene and common courtesy, which he finds ironic.

“Australians don’t queue up,” he points out, wryly.

“I have been standing in a tram stop and I have seen Australians not queuing up in an orderly fashion.

“You don’t get told that you don’t push in! Look, there are so many countries around the world, and immigrants from all over the world will only learn about the culture of Australia by living here.”

The main agenda of his show might be laughter, however Amos speaks of other issues on the Australian public agenda, including same-sex marriage, and how he is stunned by Australia’s current stance.

“Your Prime Minister, the person that wasn’t even voted in by the Australian people…is swinging around the world representing Australia not married, living in a partnership with somebody. What’s all that about?” he says with mock indignation.

“If you are really a Christian and believe in your Christian beliefs, why aren’t you married? Why aren’t you married Julia Gillard? Why are you living in sin with your partner?”

Stephen K Amos Laughter is my agenda, Arts Theatre, 53 Angas St, Adelaide Feb 23 – March 11 (Times vary please check program guide) www.adelaidefringe.com.au or 1300Fringe