In 2013, an SRF comedy sketch heated up emotions. In a nod to a boutique visit by US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in Zurich, comedian Birgit Steinegger becomes “Mrs. Mgubi”. Face painted black, big lips, Afro hair, no real language, exaggeratedly stupid behavior: a total joke.
Ten years later, there is no longer a place for “Mrs Mgubi” in Swiss comedy. A lot has happened during this time. For some representatives from the comedy scene, this is even too much: Wokeness and political correctness are valued too highly. Is the pendulum now swinging to the other side? Does the overly sensitive left no longer see the joke because of all the morals?
The search for the “almost”
There are more and more comedians criticized for inappropriate jokes. But shouldn’t humor be allowed to do everything? “Almost everything,” says Gerald Weber, President of the Improvisation Theater “anandpeach».
The search for what lies behind the “almost” is the search for a limit. A border that is constantly shifting. Swiss comedy minds differ as to where this limit should lie.
Flexibility is required
Due to the shifting border, Ursus from the comedy duo “Ursus & Nadeschkin” appeals to flexibility: “Humor must remain supple and flexible and adapt.”
Legend:
Urs Wehrli and Nadja Sieger have been on stage together for more than 30 years.
KEYSTONE/Gaetan Bally
Urs Wehrli sees a change in the world of jokes: “Yes, there are some new posts that are standing in our way.” You just have to do a slalom around this.
Comedy as a complicated slalom?
One of those slalom poles: cultural appropriation. Nadezhkin didn’t manage to get around this pole because her dreadlocks caused her a shitstorm. As a white woman, it would not be right for her to wear this hairstyle.
Is the criticism far-fetched? “Yes!” says Nadezhkin. She doesn’t understand the excitement: “Why shouldn’t I do what I want with my hair?” She regrets: “Everyone is now using the handbrake a little.” It’s better not to say anything at all for fear of saying something wrong.
That sounds like a complicated slalom.
Will the keys go out soon?
Frank Baumann, former television presenter and outgoing director of the Arosa Humor Festival, sees it similarly. Because of the new political correctness, less and less is possible.
It’s like telling musicians that they are only allowed to play a certain section of the piano. And if only one octave remains, it would no longer be possible to play Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. “It is indecent to take anything away from satire,” sums up Baumann.
Limitations as an opportunity
Kilian Ziegler, slam poet and comedian, does not see the development as a limitation. Society is changing. The humor too. Ziegler doesn’t understand why the comedians would see themselves in the role of victim: “The development can also inspire creativity instead of restricting it.”
Ziegler reflected on and adapted his own work. He wouldn’t say some things the way he used to. “Social change has led to more self-reflection.” This is a great opportunity for art. This is the only way things can go one step further.
Inspired, despite having fewer keys on the grand piano. Does that work?
Self-reflection instead of gloating
According to comedienne Jane Mumford, not only have keys been eliminated, but new sounds have also been added.
«In the 90s there was a lot of comedy that made fun of others. At the moment there is a nice development towards more self-irony.” After all, laughing at yourself is still the healthiest thing.
But if the comedy scene only laughs at itself, who is making fun of “those up there”? Wouldn’t that also be the task of satire – the socially critical component of the art form?
Who can you laugh at?
According to an unofficial comedy rule, it is only legitimate to step up to the top, to the powerful, to the elite. But if you shoot “down” with your jokes, you have to be very careful. So a joke about a Federal Councilor: yes. About a homeless person: no.
Sounds reasonable, right? But it’s not that easy, says comedy veteran Viktor Giacobbo. He also identifies appropriate targets “at the bottom”: “Extreme conspiracy theorists or Nazis, they are all “at the bottom” because they are not among the powerful.” And you can definitely make fun of these people.
Legend:
With his friend Mike Müller, Viktor Giacobbo regularly made viewers laugh.
KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle
What are the offspring doing?
Giacobbo not only looks up and down, but also forward. Slowly but surely he passes on the scepter. To a new generation that sees many things differently than he does. Nevertheless, Giacobbo wants to work with the young comedy scene. For example, 20-year-old Reena Krishnaraja is part of his stage program “Late Giacobbo”.
Krishnaraja, SRF 3 Comedy Best Talent 2022, combines tried-and-tested clichés with the self-irony mentioned by Mumford. With success. Because when Krishnaraja, who is herself affected by racism, carefully dissects stereotypes, it is better received than when Birgit Steinegger slaps a liter of black paint on her face.
Humor: Quo Vadis?
For Giacobbo, the changing of the guard in the Swiss comedy scene has long since taken place: “There is now a whole new generation in charge.” But he sees it calmly, the “Late Giacobbo”. He sits back and looks forward to what’s to come.
Hopefully talented slalom skiers and comedians who expand the range of humor. And hit the keys properly.
The interviews were conducted by Igor Basic.