RantWoman likes wry humor but still does not get the bit below about the cheese grater. RantWOman is wondering what is getting lost.
By Tasha Impey
Naming the cheese grater as the most violent book she's ever read,
blind comedian Elise Lehmann has drawn a wicked sense humour from her
disability. But her favourite fodder is reserved for the sighted
people in her life.
Born and bred in Robe in the South East, 24-year-old Elise lost her
sight at age two from a brain tumour.
Her family home which she lives in with her mother, father and
brother sits on the top of a hill with panoramic views over the
idyllic beachside town, an irony she finds rather funny.
"I've been told it's a very good view, so I'll believe it," she laughs.
The only vision impaired student in her main stream schools, Elise
went to Robe primary, then onto Kingston, before graduating from Year
12 in Adelaide.
Left with no vision memory, Elise has carved out a career using her
heightened sense of touch by starting a massage therapy business
which she runs from home.
In the winter months she is the trainer and massage therapist for the
Robe football team, a role which launched her comedic skills almost by
default.
Constantly cracking jokes at the team, she was asked to entertain a
crowd awaiting the late arrival of comedian Dave Flanagan.
Upon hearing her natural aptitude for making people laugh, he invited
her to attend his comedy school in Adelaide.
"He could see my sense of humour in my disability - the silly things
sighted people have said and done to me over the years," she said.
Learning basic microphone techniques and skit-writing skills, Elise
has begun to show her talents around the region.
Performing at the recent Beachport's Got Talent night, Elise scooped
Best Comedy Award and People's Choice Award entertaining over 200
people against 16 other acts.
Luckily for Elise, she is absolved from stage fright.
"I still get a bit nervous but probably less than people who look out
and see 200 people because I can't see them," she laughs.
Naming her biggest limitations as not being able to read signs or
menus, Elise remains matter of fact about her approach to life with a
disability.
"If you don't laugh about it you'll cry," she said.
Along for the ride is Elise's guide dog Gypsie who has been her
companion for five years.
Previously relying on a white cane, their relationship has become one
she has relished for more than just guidance.
"She's good company that's the main thing, but she's not a robot
she's still a dog, she has her off days so I have to be on the ball.
"The hardest thing to learn when we trained was to trust this dog I'd
known for a week to lead me somewhere," she said.
When it comes to dating, Elise said she hasn't had the same ease that
she's had with her comedy.
"It's probably hard for the guys who don't want to be seen as taking
advantage. And Robe is such a small place," she said.
Not deterred, she has plenty to keep her keep her occupied when not
rubbing down football players or cracking jokes.
Making intricate creatures from tiny beads, Elise has a chest full of
dragonflies, crocodiles, spiders and crayfish in perfectly matched colours.
Having never seen a crocodile before, she humbly said it's not as
genius as it may seem.
"I mould them all from different ornaments that I feel and work from there."
Elise has been invited by Dave Flanagan to perform at next year's
Adelaide Fringe Festival.
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