Who is Neil Triffett?
Neil Triffett is a writer, filmmaker and musical comedian, who goes out looking for the things that don’t quite make sense in our world.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d do less. I’m always awake at night thinking about how I didn’t get everything done that day. But there are enough people already doing things so I reckon it’d be nice to do very little for a while.
Who inspires you and why?
It feels kind of uncool, but it’s the Hare Krishnas. When they’re singing on the street, I’m in awe of how humble they are. I saw some drunk kids try to play one of their drums last weekend, and I’d be like “bugger off, don’t touch my drum” but the Hare Krishnas let them have the drum and play it. They were so trusting that the kids eventually gave the drum back.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m on team Thanos these days; I think there are too many people. I’d give more money to birth control charities if I could and, if it wasn’t so preachy, I’d love to talk about it a bit more in my comedy. Unsure if that one’s a crowd pleaser or not though.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m from Tassie so anywhere but there. Just joking, I love Tassie. I love Ireland and Berlin too and I’m trying to see more of Australia these days. I had a brilliant time in Perth over the holidays.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I take them out to eat Ethiopian food in Footscray. The food is amazing, the restaurants are family owned so there’s nothing corporate about it, and it’s so much more relaxed than hanging out in the CBD. It’s also a good way to find out which of your friends are racists.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Against Creativity by Oli Mould. I’ve always suspected that creativity has been co-opted by capitalism and, now it’s confirmed, I’m planning on becoming a full-blown communist by Easter.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m listening to The Decemberists a lot. This Year by the Mountain Goats was my 2018 anthem. I’ve really immersed myself in Melbourne’s music comedy scene this year too, listening to the likes of Pick Up and Jude Perl.
Happiness is?
Saturday morning without a hangover.
What does the future hold for you?
I think it’ll be more of me doing what I do, but thinking about why I do what I do more. It’ll be pretty meta.
Neil is performing Misery at Tasma Terrace as part of the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival from the 15 April. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Neil Triffett (supplied)