Joe White: Emotional Blackmale
The performance ends. The man begins.
From refugee camp to viral comedian, Tilahun Hailu (aka Joe White) has won multiple FRINGE WORLD Best Comedy Awards and sold out shows at the biggest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe. Now, with the birth of his daughter Leilani—half Ethiopian, half Maltese—he's realised his most popular stage name, "Joe White," is a trauma response that can no longer stand.
In a powerful, hilarious, and deeply honest new show, Tilahun reveals the true story behind his "whitewashed" identity. He traces his desperate 25-year pursuit of acceptance, from growing up as an Ethiopian refugee in Sudan, to the difficult journey of migrating to Australia and trying to fit in by trading his beautiful birth name, Tilahun (meaning "be a shade" or shelter), for "Joe."
Emotional Blackmail is more than just a comedy show; it’s a declaration of war on inherited trauma and a commitment to decolonising his mind. Join Tilahun Hailu on this urgent, hilarious, and vital journey to reclaim his identity, find his shelter, and become the father his daughter deserves.
★★★★½ "My goodness was he funny" - On the house review
Presented by: Tilahun Hailu
Tilahun Hailu has been presenting shows nationally and globally for nearly a decade now. The shows are always funny, entertaining and have a real community vibe to them. He’s an act not to be missed and has won many Best Comedy Weekly Awards and a Critics Choice Award at previous FRINGE WORLD Festivals. He’s performed all over the world including the USA, Canada, London and the Edinburgh Fringe. He’s one of the most exciting comedians to watch in Australia, “My goodness was he funny” 4/5 stars - on the house review
Sessions
Donkey at FringeConnect Stirling 2026:
ENCORE Rockingham @ VAT 116 - Rocky Fringe Festival:
The Laugh Resort at The Laugh Resort at The Shoe:
Main Room at Kalamunda Hotel:
Ticket Prices
Prices may not be available on all sessions
A transaction fee of up to $4.80 applies per order (some exceptions apply). Read more at fees explained.
4 Venues
Donkey at FringeConnect Stirling 2026
Scarborough Sports & Community Club, 75 Deanmore Rd, Scarborough
Parking available on site
- Venue is 18+ but minors may attend with a parent or legal guardian
ENCORE Rockingham @ VAT 116 - Rocky Fringe Festival
ENCORE Rockingham @ VAT116, 4 Kent St, Rockingham
Encore Doors are seperate and adjacent to the VAT 116 Tavern doors. 20M down Railway Terrace
- Step-free mobility aid access through an alternative entrance with an accessible bathroom.
- Venue is 18+ but minors may attend with a parent or legal guardian
Main Room at Kalamunda Hotel
Kalamunda Hotel, 43 Railway Rd, Kalamunda
- Venue is 18+ but minors may attend with a parent or legal guardian
The Laugh Resort at The Laugh Resort at The Shoe
The Shoe Bar & Café, 376 - 420 Wellington St, Yagan Square, Perth
- Step-free mobility aid access through an alternative entrance with an accessible bathroom.
- Venue is 18+ but minors may attend with a parent or legal guardian
Suitability & Warnings
