You don’t have to be Maltese to find Deborah Barrese’s comedy funny, according to the Altona resident she has found her Maltese alter ego Carmen resonates well with everyone.
Now getting ready for her first solo show, Ms Barrese is excited to proudly showcase her Maltese heritage.
“Both of my parents were born in Malta, so I think Carmen is a combination of my parents and my grandparents,” she said.
“Everyone I know has a little bit of Carmen in them.”
What originally started as an outlet for her creativity during COVID, has now turned into more than a comedy sketch.
“I came up with Carmen the character out of frustration for Carmen because she couldn’t leave the house,” she said.
“She couldn’t do all of her favourite things like go to bingo, go to the shops or even make and sell her pastizzi.”
Resonating well with people online, Ms Barrese said her new friend Carmen had taken off overnight.
Taking inspiration from her own childhood, Ms Barrese said she began creating sketches of Carmen and her granddaughter Deborah.
“Every Maltese person that I’ve come across including relatives, the conversations, the arguments I put those into sketches,” she said.
“I think that’s why it’s done so well, because people can relate to what I’m producing.”
With one of her two Melbourne shows almost sold out, Ms Barrese said the westies need to get in quick to see the show at the Williamstown Centenary Theatre.
“There will be two shows in Melbourne, as well as Brisbane , Sydney and Adelaide.”
The shows will be held on September 13 and 14.
Details: www.carmenthemaltese.com.au/
Jennifer Pittorino
