Why did Barry Humphries create Dame Edna Everage?

Barry Humphries created Dame Edna Everage as a satirical character to parody Australian suburban life and the archetypal "Aussie housewife." Dame Edna, with her over-the-top personality and flamboyant style, allowed Humphries to explore themes of social class, celebrity culture, and the absurdities of modern life. Through this character, he could engage audiences with humor while also providing sharp social commentary. The character became iconic, reflecting both the unique aspects of Australian culture and universal human experiences.