Chido Mwat is a comedian and creative practitioner developing films and multi-genre comedy projects to explore modes of storytelling. Chido’s most recent show as part International Melbourne Comedy Festival confronts, in a humorous way, the micro-aggressions she has faced living and working in Australia since she moved here 10-years-ago from Zimbabwe. In this interview, Chido discusses how her art can connect audiences to sometimes difficult conversations; the curation and development of “She-Nanigans The Show”; and how Marvel, along with a bunch of comedians, have inspired her career.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative practice.
I am a Zimbabwean comedian, writer, film and content maker based in Naarm. My creative practice focuses on comedy on screen and stage. I like to bring elements of fantasy, quirkiness and a touch of black girl magic to my work.
- How did you start your creative practice and why?
My creative practice started when I developed my love for comedy. That was when I was a teenager. I loved seeing how comedy could connect audiences and you could really transport people into a different world – even if just for a moment – so that they could let the general problems of life drift away or find ways to cope with them through laughter.
- Where did you grow up and has it influenced what you create?
I moved to Australia about 10 years ago now having grown up in Zimbabwe. I think growing up in Zimbabwe influenced me in my ability to be confident when it came to expressing myself creatively, particularly being a female in the comedy scene. I went to an all girls high school and was surrounded by many talented young and funny young women – so it was never a question in my mind that I could be funny. I had a very supportive drama teacher who let me experiment in my writing and performance – whether it be writing monologues that are set up as a therapy session between myself and the audience; or being cast in male roles. Bearing in mind this for me was quite a new way of expressing myself as a teenager. I feel like having this sense of ability and liberty to stretch my imagination has influenced my work greatly as I love to try push boundaries and dabble in multiple art forms.
- Tell us about your past creative projects. What has been a highlight so far?
Most recently I put on my first hour show with a great cast and director for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival – She-Nanigans The Show. This was definitely a major milestone as I put together an hour of original material that combined my love of cabaret, sketch comedy, stand up and story-telling. I was really blessed to experience all the support that came from everyone involved and in the audience. I also loved being part of the Pan-Afrikan Poet’s Cafe, by Sista Zai Zanda, and The Cocoa Butter Club. These two performance platforms were really important in my journey because they helped me find people who were really supportive of my creative practice and what I was hoping to achieve.
Screenwise I was honoured to have my debut short film, For Becky, featured on SBS OnDemand. This was such an amazing moment as we’d made this film on an i-phone and I hadn’t had any filmmaking experience. I made it on a basically minus budget, haha, with the help of some extraordinary people. I was also given the opportunity to make some commissioned online content for the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing which was awesome because I got to combine my passion for screen with my health background – I’m a doctor during the other times I’m not creating.
- Can you tell us more about “She-Nanigans” and the catalyst for it?
The show literally dives into my mind and briefly recounts how some of my expectations of my time in Australia didn’t necessarily match my reality. I am generally introverted and a bit quirky. I felt there were times when I was spoken-over, experienced microaggressions or was just bullied. The effect of this was the silencing of my voice. Eventually, through reflection and support, I finally gained the courage, spoke up for myself and stopped taking people’s “shenanigans.” I really wanted to share this experience and make it an empowering and heartfelt show – to hopefully inspire people in a similar position. I also wanted to “flex” my creative muscles so created a hotchpotch of fun and she-nanigans to blend into the story. I also wanted to do this show with other people to really jazz it up and make some friends along the way.
- Who or what inspires your practice?
My main influence growing up was Conan O’Brien – cause he’s fun and wacky. Trevor Noah also inspired me by his ability to bring his African experience to the world – which is something I traverse in my work. In recent times I’ve also been inspired by Michaela Coel, Taika Waititi and Jordan Peele as they are creatives who work in comedy, drama, and work in all parts of production – which is something I hope to do.
I think my actual work is inspired by my growth as a person, each work I create generally stems from looking back at how far I’ve come. For example, my last show was about finding my voice and speaking up for myself.
- Where do you feel most creative?
In my bed. Usually around the time I’m falling asleep I get a stream of ideas. I’ve actually written some sets in my head while falling asleep.
- What gets you through challenging creative/ industry times?
I think my family, friends and my partner especially. They always help to keep me grounded and give plenty of encouragement and reassurance.
- Whose work are you digging at the moment?
I’m actually enjoying the Marvel Phase 4 series and movies. It’s been fun to get back into it! I dream of being in Marvel someday. It’s just been great to see how the universe has expanded and I’m a sucker for great action sequences. I really enjoyed Moon Night and Wanda Vision. I’m looking forward to the next Thor movie directed by Taika Waititi. The next show I’m hoping to write is spy/hero themed – think Kim Possible.
- What future projects are you looking forward to?
I’m excited to be part of First Stage, a program for emerging writers by The Emerging Writers’ Festival and Melbourne Theatre Company. I’ll be writing a play excerpt which is staged in a dramatic reading, along with works by other great emerging writers. We will be putting She-Nanigans The Show for a second season at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. I’m hoping later on in the year to make a web series too! Busy times ahead.
- Where can we find and follow you online?
You can find me – Chido Mwat – on Instagram, FaceBook and TikTok.
If you’re into comedy, here’s another Colour Box Studio interview you might like: click here.