Josephine Perricone

SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL : CHARISA BOSSINAKIS : PINEAPPLE JUICE

Stand-up comic Charisa Bossinakis performing in her new show ‘Pineapple Juice’

Charisa Bossinakis a Melbourne based comedic artist. Her new show called PINEAPPLE JUICE was included in this year’s Sydney Comedy Festival lineup.

Charisa entertains with a cheeky, confident and likeable charm. She represented her cultural stereotypes for laughs which can be risky. Especially in this politically sensitive climate where many may get offended.  However, Charisa managed to present her material in a way that was non- offensive but sharp enough to be edgy.

Charisa brought her good energy to the stage and occasionally incorporated a crowd member into her performance. My partner who was sitting in the front row wearing a black and white pin-striped Fedora hat was amused by her cheeky spontaneity after Charisa suggested that men who wear Fedora hats are known to be sexual predators.  This demonstrated how Charisa is mastering her craft to a sophisticated level and knowing how to read the room.

The act incorporated topics such as; her Greek heritage, performing a standup act at a Bachelor Party, being a Bridesmaid, and distinctions between how the boys and girls in her family are treated differently.

Charisa pits her own Greek customs against what she experienced growing up in Australia. She brought her Greek Grandmother (YiaYia) to life on stage with her impersonations of her YiaYia’s distinctive accent. Her cultural impersonations were authentic as well as hysterical. Although, her YiaYia may have a different take on Charisa’s raw portrayal of her road rage where YiaYia yells forcefully at another driver: “I #$%* on your duck!”.    

Another part of her thoughtful performance was the use of timed voice overs and sound effects, which showed off her skills as an impersonator, taking good natured shots again at her grandmother and her father this time, who may have been the victim of ‘too much information’.

All in all, Charisa put on a terrific show with the crowd behind her right from the get-go. 

Charisa Bossinakis’ PINEAPPLE JUICE played for two nights only on Saturday May 1 and Sunday May 2, 2021 at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville. 

 

Published by Josephine Perricone

I am a single mother of three children and have performed in amateur theatre, in another life, prior to having children. I loved the connection and energy I felt while breathing life into different characters. These days I actively encourage my children to pursue their creative talents. My eldest son, Dante, plays guitar and is currently inspired by the 90s grunge metal phase while my youngest son, Romeo, plays piano and has discovered a love of songs by Queen. Both my sons often serenade me with their music as I cook the evening meal and I feel privileged to be serenaded regardless of the repetition. My daughter, Sienna, has performed in theatre for most of her primary school years and has recently switched to studying film. I so miss watching her perform in theatre but I am mindful that she has her own journey. I have always had a passion for the arts in all different forms such as theatre, music, writing and drawing. They are powerful gifts available for anyone willing to commit the time, effort and connect to the journey of the process and reach a satisfying release. The skills or instruments used are not as important compared to the opportunity to draw on emotions from happiness, ecstasy, sadness, frustrations, grief, despair and many others. To delve within what lies beneath the surface and be brave enough to embark on a journey of self-expression is what matters most. Artistic expression can be therapeutic in this ever-changing chaotic world. When an artist pours out their heart and soul onto a shapeless landscape, incredible treasures take form. In this moment I feel captivated and grateful for a point of view different to my own. I may not always like or agree with an artist’s creation or impression but I respect the artists’ courage and conviction. The work of an artist inspires me because we all have the gift to be imaginative and creative in some way but need to take the chance and risks to step out into the shapeless landscape and reveal our own hidden treasures.