Sam Kissajukian, the star of “300 Paintings”
It’s a play based on a true-life experience—the best kind of theater, in my opinion. In 2021, comedian Sam Kissajukian, who lives in Sydney, quit standup and became a painter. He rented an abandoned cake factory and, over six months, created 300 large-scale paintings. He also documented his mental state throughout the process.
You can watch Sam act out his journey in his laugh-out-loud show “300 Paintings,” playing at the Vinyard Theater in Manhattan through February 23rd.
Sam is a well-known comedian and visual artist who has toured the USA, UK, Europe, and Australia. I recently caught up with him to discuss New York, Australia, and theater
Where are you staying in New York City and where do you live in Australia?
I’m staying in Gramercy, near the park that’s always locked so the trees don’t escape. In Australia, I live in Sydney, sometimes we also lock up our parks.
What are your favorite neighborhoods in New York and why?
The East River at night on a ferry when I crave horizontal expanse. Does that count? Chelsea for the galleries. Central Park for the squirrels.
Can you share some of your favorite spots in Sydney and what makes them so great?
In Sydney, Newtown might give Williamsburg a run for its money. Sydney’s real strength is its plethora of world class beaches so close to the city. We’ve a lot of inviting sand to sit on as you contemplate the reality of sharks.
What is the best place for a pre- or post-show meal and why? What are the dishes to order?
Pepperoni Pizza dispensaries. I don’t know who Joe is, but he seems to be well connected in the pizza landscape. I grew up on Ninja Turtles so when I enter a concrete jungle I’m conditioned to hunt oversized cheese triangles.
What is the best bar you’ve discovered in NY, and what is the best drink to get?
I don’t drink. I’m either painting, performing or lying face down on the couch. I did get a hotdog once and people seemed to keep disappearing into a telephone box. So, I’d recommend seeing where that goes.
Do you have any insider tips for enjoying a show? Anything to make the experience better?
Surprise yourself. Don’t do any research. See something you wouldn’t ever consider seeing. Go alone.
Do you have a favorite theater or comedy club to go to and why?
Comedy Cellar, the best club in the best city for stand-up. Vineyard Theatre, have you heard of it?
Do you have any other shows on your radar right now?
“Hadestown.” My sound person has seen it five times and I trust him. There’s also a musical coming out of Sydney that for legal reasons may or may not be about a controversial Olympic breakdancer.
Can you share your favorite theaters or comedy clubs around the world and why?
In Sydney, I’m a big fan of ID Comedy Club. I love Summerhall, it’s in Scotland and has one of the most diverse independent theater and visual arts programmes as part of the Edinburgh Fringe.
My favorite moment in “300 Paintings” is…
Seeing how onboard everyone is when I show them the contemporary art museum I designed for outer space. I’ve had shows where people laugh so much that someone shushes them because they can’t hear.
My biggest takeaway from “300 Paintings” is….
That this show has found a home in New York. This city forces you to confront who you are, break down, and rebuild, which mirrors the journey in my show. New Yorkers show strength, resilience and creativity, which I admire. Though my story is deeply personal, its themes resonate with so many of the people here. In New York, I’ve felt seen, and it fuels me to keep going.
My biggest challenge as a performer is…
Trying not to be one. I’m sharing an experience with people and trying to make it playful and engaging. I aim to avoid it becoming ‘performing to an audience’.
