“A woman embracing her attractiveness, intelligence, or humor truly defies norms in a punk rock way. Society and the patriarchy have conditioned us to be accommodating and diminish ourselves to make others comfortable,” says Eftos.
Eftos, who has a background in acting, dancing, singing, and holds a degree in film and journalism, saw stand-up comedy as a personal challenge she wanted to conquer. Credit: Afrina Razi
In a country like Australia, where tall poppy syndrome is prevalent and many comedians succeed through self-deprecation, Eftos’s approach didn’t go unnoticed. She criticizes this cultural aspect, describing it as a “sick part of our culture.”
“It almost acted as a litmus test,” she notes. “Would people project their insecurities onto it? Would they try to bring me down, thinking I’m targeting other women?” Eftos emphasizes that the message isn’t directed at any particular gender.
On stage, her confident and playful persona swiftly dismantles stereotypes, especially those from men who reduce her to a mere sex symbol. Her act includes imaginative sequences and jokes about the simplicity of comedy, echoing Elle Woods’s famous quip about getting into Harvard Law School in “Legally Blonde.”
“If you feel empowered wearing jeans and a t-shirt on stage, more power to you. But I’m not a bad person or a bad feminist for wearing a dress and heels.”
“It’s like, I’m damned if I do, I’m damned if I don’t.”
The Femmebot is one of several characters Eftos plays in her show Australia’s First Attractive Female. Source: Supplied
Making comedy history
Eftos followed up that career milestone with a sold-out run at London’s famed Soho Theatre and will be performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of Just For Laughs this week, before heading back overseas next year.
Elousie Eftos is the first Australian comedian to be nominated for the best newcomer award since Nath Valvo in 2016. Source: Facebook / Elouise Eftos
Having to spend so much time away from her family, who are based in Perth, is one of the hardest parts of working in entertainment, she says.
“I think that this is what she was maybe born to do, and I feel like I’m doing it for her,” she continues, her voice cracking with emotion.
Looking for real connection
“I feel like men treat me in two ways: They either try to bring me down or they’ll treat me as a trophy,” she says, lamenting whether she’ll ever meet anyone who truly sees her for who she is.
If I’m a liberated, confident woman, am I really desirable, or am I desirable only to a certain point, and therefore will never have real connection?
“I am very superstitious, I think because of the way that my grandmas raised me, and I think there’s a part of me that feels like maybe I’m being punished and I’ll never find love because I’m an outspoken woman,” she says.
Elouise Eftos is performing as part of Women Aren’t Funny, hosted by Abbie Chatfield, at the Sydney Opera House from 14 to 16 November.
