What the hell is a comedy absurdist?  Auckland audiences are about to find out, because Dr Brown (aka Philip Burgers) and his singer tiger are in the country for the 2013 NZ International Comedy Festival.  Renee Liang tried to find out more.

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Trained formally in clowning, Philip Burgers, an American writer and performer, is in NZ for the first time with two shows – Befrdfgth (meant to be unpronounceable) for grown ups and Dr Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown and his Singing Tiger for kids. Both shows have won awards and toured widely.

The tiger show, which he performs with Stuart Bowden (as the singing tiger), is “a healthy measure of good old-fashioned slapstick, silly noises, and physical flights of fancy mixed with a tennis match, a game of golf and a slightly spectacular BMX finale in an absurd adventure.” Sounds exactly the kind of thing kids (of all ages) will love. 

I interviewed Philip Burgers by email – and here are his succinct, but enlightening, answers.

Why do you clown?

Because I love being totally stupid.

Are you sometimes serious?

Yes, sometimes, never, and often.

What inspires you?

People and playing. And nature.

How did you find the character of Dr. Brown?

Studying clown in Paris with Philippe Gaulier.

Why does Dr. Brown want to do a show for kids?

Because he's actually just doing a kids show for adults, so he might as well do one for kids as well.

Do you have kids and do they find you funny?

No kids of my own, but two nephews who are the source of much of my material.

Does your life inspire what you do on stage?

Yes, definitely.

You've been all over the world with your shows. Does everyone laugh at the same things?

Pretty much. Especially when you're not talking.

Why did Dr Brown decide to visit NZ?

Because he's heard so many good things about the Kiwis and their land.