Pakistani All-Girl-Comedy-Group Tell JWB What’s It Like Laughing Mid-Performance
- JWB Post
- September 22, 2016
I know for a fact that I could never be a comedian. Well, I’m not funny. To be a comedian, you gotta be funny, right? I guess I gotta learn a thing or two from the Khawatoons.
If you don’t know the Khawatoons, since you’re living under a rock, allow me to introduce you to Pakistan’s First All-girl-comedy troupe. We caught up with Faiza Saleem, and they told us everything about what happens backstage. May I get a YAYYYY?
Me: The funniest moment from the auditions while you were forming your team?
Faiza: I was looking for more troupe members, so Amafah, Rabiya and I went to an event at a local dhabba and announced that we are recruiting. We randomly did a little performance and started asking women to join us. It wasn’t funny. It was sad. Those were desperate times…
Me: Give us three reasons why the patriarchy is so funny
Faiza:
1. It is considered normal. 2. It serves no purpose in today’s world. 3. Women give birth to everyone, including all patriarchs.
Me: Who is the biggest joker backstage?
Faiza: We’re all jokers backstage, especially when we are travelling together. But we take our comedy very seriously at the same time.
Me: How do you ensure security for your girls considering the threats you might be receiving from the traditional community?
Faiza: I am the security for my girls. They are my responsibility, and I try my best to give them the very best. We are our own weapons and our own bodyguards.
Me: One topic you will never joke about?
Faiza: Religion.
Me: One joke that you were really scared to make but did anyway?
Faiza: It was a self-deprecating joke, but once I started making fun of myself I enjoyed it very much.
Me: What is your ultimate squad goal?
Faiza: For women to be inspired by us to follow their own dreams and find their own journeys.
Me: How do usually men react to jokes that target the male ego?
Faiza: Sometimes they call us sexist. Other times they laugh with us.
Me: Who laughs louder, boys or girls?
Faiza: Both.
Me: Have you ever experienced humor block? Like if you aren’t feeling humorous today. How do you deal with it?
Faiza: Sometimes before shows that does happen. But once I am on stage, I quickly snap out of it through interaction with my audience.
Me: What are your practice sessions are like?
Faiza: They’re hardcore. We get together twice a week. I plan sessions before hand. Sessions start with warmups and exercises then we practice games for our upcoming shows. If need be, we practice more than twice or even thrice a week.
Me: What one stereotype about Pakistani women your squad has shattered?
Faiza: That they’re not funny.
Me: How do you break the ice if the audience is not accepting?
Faiza: I move closer to the audience and start talking to them.
Me: Compare your humor with one dish and serve it to us.
Faiza: Pani puri. It’s sweet and savoury. And for the masses.
Me: Would you like to come to Jaipur?
Faiza: Of course! Who wouldn’t?!
Me: Why do you wear only black on stage?
Faiza: We all like black plus it doesn’t get dirty easily. However, we will keep changing our colours every few months.
Me: What does Hijab mean to you?
Faiza: Hijab is a personal choice.
Me: What is your best comeback?
Faiza: I’m fat, deal with it.
Me: Did you ever start laughing mid-performance?
Faiza: Yes. I burst out laughing once and just couldn’t stop. This was during one of my first theatre performances. I pretended to be coughing, but it didn’t work. I died a thousand deaths.
Me: If all the world was a stage, where would the audience sit?
Faiza: In my heart. It’s cheesy but true!
Me: What came first patriarchy or man?
Faiza: They both came together, holding hands and smirking. But not all men and/or women can be put under one umbrella. It is unfair to generalize.
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