Nadun Hetti is a young Sri Lankan born Melbourne- based relatively new comedian.

As the title of the show indicates, Hetti is a new immigrant. Probably, not the ideal time to be a brown immigrant in this country, his words, not mine; however, he manages to turn a very tense time in our nation’s history into comedy.

He takes a sharp observational view of immigration, especially the visa process. Sounds a bit politically charged, but his optics on the situation, coming from an immigrant’s point of view, had the audience not only laughing but nodding in agreement.

One of his jokes highlights the absurdity of being a new immigrant. He talks about his dad visiting him from Sri Lanka for his graduation from university. Upon arrival at the airport, his dad asks him, “Nadun, what do you think of this country?” Nadun replies, “ Well dad, you immigrants have put up my rent, inflation has gone up because of you- go back to your country!”

It’s an absurd joke, but it highlights the deep alienation new immigrants can be exposed to when being at the receiving end of constant criticism for just having a go.

He immediately juxtaposes this joke with how Australia was founded on criminals, coming on boats and illegally taking land that wasn’t theirs. It’s edgy, sometimes controversial humour. It goes places most of us would rather not talk about publicly.

Hetti balances his set with stories of Sri Lanka. In fact, most of his story-based comedy is about the difficulty of growing up in civil war-torn Sri Lanka. It gets a bit personal as he talks about himself and his family’s PTSD and the ripple effects of war.

Some of his jokes and stories don’t land. Hetti admits that the show is a work in progress, and his visit next year will be more polished.

Whilst his stage presence could improve, he has the makings of a great stand-up routine. This is smart, incisive and deeply intellectual humour. Like coming to Australia at such a young age, this is a brave step for a talented young new immigrant and comedian. Good for him for doing the great Australian thing- having a go.