EVERYONE has a view on the Bunnings sausage sizzle, but none have deconstructed it like Melbourne comedian Ivan Aristeguieta.
Aristeguieta moved to Australia five years ago to escape turmoil in his native Venezuela and he will visit Perth this week to perform in the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow.
He said he was immediately struck by the quirkiness of the sausage sizzle and a Facebook video of Aristeguieta lambasting the peculiar ritual has been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
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“I was very lucky – it was my lucky shot,” he said.
The former hospitality worker said food informed much of his comedic style.
“Most of my observations are around food because I think everybody relates to food,” he said.
“We have that emotional connection with food.
“I think if you want to understand how people do things in a different place, just observe how people relate to food.”
Aristeguieta grew up with Latin-American comedians, but cites Chris Rock as his biggest English-speaking influence.
He spends much of the year on the road and said events such as the Roadshow were especially good fun.
“It’s the best part of the year for me,” he said.
“When you do your solo show for so long it’s just yourself behind the curtain – you do your hour and that’s it.
“When you’re touring with other comics, it’s the best.
“You share backstage with more comedians, you travel around, get to know the country.”
Other comedians in the Perth show are Bob Franklin, Adam Hess, Gillian Cosgriff and Guy Montgomery.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow
Where: His Majesty’s Theatre
When: June 22-24
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au