Mattia Sedda is a Sardinian clown whose absurdist show ‘Choin’ is about a Sardinian trying to break through as an actor in the UK. Whimsical and ridiculous, he is playing as part of the Free Festival. You can find him at The Raging Bull.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
My show is the story of a Sardinian immigrant who dreams of becoming a professional actor in the United Kingdom. After years of training and auditioning without booking any significant roles, he decides to create “CHOIN: A Professional Showcase.” However, as the showcase unfolds the audience starts to understand why our protagonist doesn’t get many call backs…
Inspired by reality, “CHOIN” is a joyful celebraon of passion, failure, idiocy and aspiration. A whimsical clown show blending absurd humor and ridiculousness with a yearning for meaning and nostalgia for home – you should come if you want surprises, belly laughs and an a performer who will try anything to make you laugh.
(As a Sardinian I am allergic to self-promotion so I made a friend answer this for me.)
What makes you laugh?
I think what makes me laugh it’s pure, selfless idiocy. For me, comedy is the celebration and sharing of our failures. I grew up in Sardinia, Italy and our comedy speaks directly to our inner misery, our little “tragedies”. There’s no space for wittiness, and when a character is smug, usually they will be punished by the writers by the end of the movie or the play.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
All in, always.
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them.
Yes, I do. I try to convert the energy from the nerves into performance energy; and within that, I consider myself very lucky because the more I suffer, whether I’m angry, upset or frustrated, the more people laugh.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
Whatever is not a kebab. Please no more kebabs.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
Usually the audience feels smarter and more confident after my show. Mainly because after they met me they genuinely think I am an idiot.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
I never thought I was born to be on stage, I just know I love it and I keep doing it. That’s why I was called “The Sardinian Forrest Gump”. I just keep going. Although I know it’s stupid.
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
It’s the biggest fringe of the world, there are some of the best performers from all over the world. It’s like Toy Land from Pinocchio. With all the temptations included.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
“Plan” is a big word for me. Just the word stresses me out. I do what I enjoy at the moment.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
Massimo Troisi and Peter Sellers are the first names that come to mind. They were human, simple yet extremely funny. Never a sign of arrogance, and what makes us laugh about them is how honest and vulnerable they are.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
A whole room of people from different backgrounds laughing together at the same time. That’s it.
Mattia Sedda, Choin, 22.15, Laughing Horse @ The Raging Bull, until August 25
