Clarissa Chandrahasen
Winner of the Parkin Development Award and Wellington Comedy's Most Improved Comedian 2018
Clarissa Chandrahasen (she/her) is an award-winning comedian and theatre-maker of Fijian-Indian and Irish Pākehā heritage, celebrated for her sharp, wry, and subversive humor. Her unique voice blends millennial relatability with cultural depth, addressing themes like identity, queerness, relationships, and societal pressures. A standout talent in New Zealand’s comedy scene, Clarissa debuted in 2017 as a Raw Comedy Quest semi-finalist and has performed in professional comedy gigs ever since. Her sold-out shows Committed (Fringe Festival and BATS seasons, 2018) earned her the Parkin Development Award and the Wellington Comedy Awards' "Most Improved Comedian." She has since expanded her reach internationally, performing to enthusiastic audiences on an Edinburgh Fringe stage and in a regular London lineup show.