Steph Tisdell's 'Fat' Comedy Show Confronts Fatphobia and Personal Healing
Steph Tisdell's new standup show, titled Fat, is currently touring to Sydney and Brisbane, where it powerfully exposes the flawed logic that underpins fatphobia and the significant damage it inflicts on individuals and society. The show, which marks Tisdell's first standup performance in four years, delves into her personal experiences with yo-yo dieting and disordered eating, offering a raw yet humorous exploration of body image and self-acceptance.
A Journey Through Dieting and Disordered Eating
In Fat, Tisdell opens with the bold statement that she is fat, embracing the term as both the show's title and a central theme. She recounts her adult life dominated by cycles of dieting, including an extreme attempt at an "adult fat camp" costing $10,000, where she initially lost 10kg only to regain it due to financial constraints. The turning point came when her doctor advised focusing on strength rather than weight loss, shifting her perspective on health and wellness.
Humour and Critique of the Wellness Industry
Despite tackling heavy subject matter, the show maintains a light and engaging tone through Tisdell's self-deprecating humour, which highlights the absurdity of societal beauty standards. She critiques the wellness industry for preying on insecurities and satirizes the linen-clad white women who often gatekeep these spaces. Her generous spirit is evident as she promotes fellow First Nations comedian Leon Filewood and opens with a reading from emerging writer Skye Cusack, fostering community support.
Addressing Anti-Fat Bias and Intersectional Issues
Tisdell challenges anti-fat bias by pointing out audience reactions, such as applause for her weight loss, which she attributes to improved self-care rather than shame-driven efforts. The show also addresses serious intersections of race, class, and health, noting that First Nations people face disproportionate obesity rates and poorer health outcomes. Tisdell reflects on how wellness strategies are often co-opted from Indigenous knowledge, adding depth to her critique.
A Triumphant Return to Standup Comedy
Fat serves as a healing journey for Tisdell, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary without feeling self-indulgent. Described as a conversation with a funny friend, the show delivers powerful messages on fatphobia and recovery with startling brevity. Her return to the stage is celebrated as both triumphant and joyous, with hopes for future performances. The show will appear at the Sydney Comedy Festival on May 9-10 and the Brisbane Comedy Festival on May 14-17.
For support, resources are available through helplines like the Butterfly Foundation in Australia, Beat in the UK, and ANAD in the US, with additional options for Indigenous Australians and international audiences.
