Whether it’s to cheer us up, connect with friends, avoid an awkward silence, or to keep us from keying our neighbour’s car, comedy seems to do the trick. Laughter cuts tension, lightens the mood, and allows us to explore every kind of topicŃfrom airplane peanuts to racial profilingŃall in a way that transcends the straight-faced nature of everyday public life.
On that note, the very first Funny Women Festival will be exploring a variety of themes with acts that include standup, sketch, improv, as well as musicŃand it’s all delivered from an entirely female perspective.
“I really wanted women to get the spotlight,” explains festival organizer Kirsten Van Ritzen. “To take women’s work in comedy and the support they have for each other to a whole new level, and to share that with the audience and the community.”
Founder of the production company Broad Theatrics, Ritzen has been a very active participant in the local comedy and theatre scene with a little bit of everything on her resume. But when it comes down to it, comedy is her first love. “It’s something that I thrive on,” admits Ritzen, “and I need quite a bit of it.”
It’s true: a big belly laugh now and again definitely satisfies a fundamental need within us all, but it’s also capable of so much more. “There can be depth to it,” says Ritzen, with excitement in her voice. “It can inspire us to change.”
If anyone is proof of that statement, it is Vancouver’s Melanie RoseŃone of the comedians performing at the festival. In contrast to the flashy tie-dye shirts she sports on stage, things were not always so bright for Rose.
“I was in a psychiatrist’s office, in the elevator when I saw the sign for Stand Up for Mental Health,” recalls Rose, “I phoned the number and said, ‘Everything around me is falling apart, but I know I’m funny, and I really need to be in your class.’”
As someone who suffers from bipolar, Rose attended the program, which uses humour to help those struggling with mental illness. She claims that it saved her life.
“I found it very therapeutic,” she says, “It’s been a real blessing to have found it.”
On the other hand, being behind the mic also has its ups and downs. When asked what she does after an “off” night, Rose refers to another form of therapy: “TV and chips,” she says with a full stop.
Another funny woman slated to appear is Karen BrelsfordŃa Victoria actor and improv performer. Brelsford always knew she was a performer, but it wasn’t until after studying sciences at the University of Victoria and working for the government that she decided to try her hand at show business.
While working in the field of tree-ring dating, Brelsford asked herself, “Do I want to do this for the next 40 years?” It wasn’t long before she went to New York to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
With a background in acting, improv comedy is what really pumps Brelsford up. “There’s an adrenaline rush with it because you don’t know what’s coming, and that’s fun,” she says, also noting that “it’s safer than bungee jumping.”
In addition to Rose and Brelsford, Ritzen explains that the lineup she has planned for the festival includes a little bit of everything: “There’s a huge range of voice, diversity, and variety,” she says.
When asked if she plans on making the festival an annual event, Ritzen seems torn. “Why have I given myself this massive job?” she says.
But Ritzen seems to know how to juggle all of the things she’s involved in. Needless to say, I’m sure the first Funny Women Festival will not be the last.
Funny Women Festival
8pm Friday February 21 and 8pm Saturday February 22
$25, Victoria Event Centre
funnywomenfestival.com