Samoan clown Tommy Misa on art, satire and finding home

From Stories From The Pacific by ABC Radio Australia

April 28, 2026 · 31 min

About this episode

Tommy Misa discusses art, satire, and the concept of home with host Wendy Mocke.

On Stories From the Pacific, host Wendy Mocke sits down with the brilliant Tommy Misa, a storyteller who reminds us that some of the deepest truths arrive wrapped in laughter. From the queer bars of Sydney to the global stage of the Biennale, Tommy's work has carved out space for the misfits, the hard workers and anyone who has ever felt out of place under theatre lights. A master of the Samoan Clown, a former nutritional medicine student who followed a literal dream to the stage, Tommy creates art that is as fiercely funny as it is profoundly moving. Together, they talk about finding home, the power of satire, and why the most enduring art is always about connection. Stories From the Pacific, on ABC Radio Australia.

People in this episode

Host: Wendy Mocke

Guest: Tommy Misa

Topics covered

art
satire
identity
connection
storytelling

Keywords

Tommy Misa
Samoan Clown
art
satire
storytelling
identity
connection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Radio Australia

Books & works: Samoan Clown

Places: Sydney