We've all been there: sitting at an awkward stand-up performance, when the comedian starts to talk about his wife. There are complaints about her cooking, her intelligence, her mother... and let's be honest, it's never funny.
One Seattle comedy group is well aware of this trend and has decided to stop the crickets and toxic masculinity with a hilarious women-and-Nonbinary show, Men Aren't Funny — a clever play on the old critique of female comedians — featuring some of the city's most hilarious stand-up performers.
The location of the show changes each time. The latest performance was Sunday, December 12, at the Royal Room, which sold out online before tickets could even hit the booth.
In fact, "every show has sold out," said comedian Dewa Dorje.
Live from Seattle, it's Stephanie Nam
Nam Nam Productions was founded by comedian Stephanie Nam, a Queer Korean-American performer who aims to create community through comedy. Nam uses the company to make space for underrepresented and marginalized people to flex their funny bones without fear of racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, transphobia, ableism, colorism, fatphobia, or xenophobia.
"I created Men Aren't Funny [in 2019] because there is still a lot of misogyny and sexism in comedy," said Nam, "not just within the community but also in a lot of 'mainstream' comics' material. I wanted to create a space to celebrate and support other women and Nonbinary comics in an industry in which we are underrepresented and often told that we aren't funny or that talking about our gender identity isn't relatable or funny.
"I have it monthly at either the Rendezvous in Belltown or the Royal Room in Columbia City. I am the sole producer and perform in each show, along with other local comedians."
Sunday's performance introduced a stellar lineup, including host Tambre Massman and comedians Jaleesa Johnson, Lee Nacozy, Nina Tarr, Arijana Ramic, and Val St. Claire, as well as Nam. From start to finish, these funny folks had the audience in stitches with bits about Gay sex, unruly male cats, and the plausibility of Jeff Bezos aiming to become a real-life supervillain.
Closing out the night was the brilliant Nam, who engaged in excellent crowd work and satire. She concluded the evening with a reading of "quotes from men at open-mic nights," reminding all, once again, why men aren't funny.
New voices are standing up
The success of Men Aren't Funny shows that there is an audience of people eager to hear jokes about Queer and Trans themes told from non-male perspectives. Aside from creating a safe space where women and Nonbinary performers can shine, Nam was also determined to elevate the voices of BIPOC comedians in Seattle. She makes sure that all the performers understand what material is appropriate to use. When comedians make jokes about identities, it should be only from the perspective of their lived experiences and not shame or trigger any audience members.
"I also wanted to create a space where those from marginalized identities can come and enjoy comedy in a love format, to enjoy laughing without worrying about being triggered or offended. My shows have agreements performers agree to that ask them to refrain from any sexist, racist, homophobic, classist, fatphobic, transphobic, etc., material."
Men Aren't Funny shows not only that is there a wide audience interested in Queer, female, and nonbinary humor, but that jokes don't have to be offensive to make people laugh.
"Female, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ representation are important in comedy, as it is an art form that encourages expression and speaking from your perspective," said Nam. "Those with marginalized and underrepresented identities can share new, important perspectives with the world. I also feel that those with marginalized identities often have fresher perspectives that are in turn more interesting and funnier, as being unexpected and new is a big part of what makes something funny."
Making room on the stage for marginalized voices also enables future comedians to see themselves in the spotlight. Shows like Men Aren't Funny that center new voices enable conversations to flow.
While racist, sexist, and homophobic jokes are not made at the show, plenty of racy material is shared. Women talk freely about their sexuality, and Queer people share hilarious and intimate details of their lives. Taboo topics become relatable, and audience members leave feeling seen and more prepared to speak up for themselves.
If you're looking for a good laugh in Seattle — and an unconventional ab workout — pick up your tickets for the next show. You won't be disappointed.
Men Aren't Funny shows not only that is there a wide audience interested in Queer, female, and nonbinary humor, but that jokes don't have to be offensive to make people laugh.
"Female, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ representation are important in comedy, as it is an art form that encourages expression and speaking from your perspective," said Nam. "Those with marginalized and underrepresented identities can share new, important perspectives with the world. I also feel that those with marginalized identities often have fresher perspectives that are in turn more interesting and funnier, as being unexpected and new is a big part of what makes something funny."
Making room on the stage for marginalized voices also enables future comedians to see themselves in the spotlight. Shows like Men Aren't Funny that center new voices enable conversations to flow.
While racist, sexist, and homophobic jokes are not made at the show, plenty of racy material is shared. Women talk freely about their sexuality, and Queer people share hilarious and intimate details of their lives. Taboo topics become relatable, and audience members leave feeling seen and more prepared to speak up for themselves.
If you're looking for a good laugh in Seattle — and an unconventional ab workout — pick up your tickets for the next show. You won't be disappointed.
The next show is on January 21, 2021, at the Royal Room. Tickets are now available at www.strangertickets.com — get them before they're sold out! Guests must show proof of vaccination upon arrival, and masks must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking.