Yes, It’s Time For JFL Vancouver. And These Improvisers are Bringing the Party

It’s that time again! From February 16-25, JFL Vancouver takes over Canada’s west coast comedy scene. And, if the lineup is any indication- they’ll more than deliver on their promise of a unique, customizable experience. JFL Vancouver gives audiences a chance to bounce from opulent theatres to intimate neighbourhood bars, from live podcasts to stand-up and improv. It’s an experience that could get anyone in the “yes, and” mindset; something improvisers are poised to take full advantage of.

“I just have the feeling that I can be more experimental,” says Ese Atawo, a multi-talented performer with a focus on improv. “I can push the envelope more, I can just be louder in a way and wackier in a way. And, of the years I've done it, the audience would always come back and appreciate that. So this time around I'm really looking forward to seeing how big it could be and how crazy it could be. In a fun way. Of course.”

Ese Atawo’s Comedy Hour brings stand-ups and improvisers together in a lively format where she plays with the subtle rivalry between the two disciplines. “What I loved about last year was that I would make fun of each and every one of [the stand-up comics] as they came on,” she says. “...I would make fun of them for being so bad, but their sets will be so good. So the audience would be on their side against me, but then also cheering me on to talk shit about them. So it's just a weird, beautiful night that night.”

Speaking of weird and beautiful combinations, improv troupe Fistful of Kicks comes to JFL Vancouver with their own blend of comedic disciplines: a show that’s part stand-up, part improv, and part stage combat.

“We’re firing on all cylinders,” says Curt Da Silva, a cast member, director and producer in the all Asian-Canadian ensemble. 

The Fistful showcase at JFL Vancouver is already sold out, and it’s not hard to see why. Between the success of their monthly show at Tightrope Theatre and trips to festivals across North America, they’ve created quite a stir.

“One time we were performing at the Seattle Festival Improv Theater, and it was our second night of shows, and one of the audience members came up to us afterwards and was like, oh, my God, guys, that was so good. I think I shit myself,” says Da Silva. “Compliment. I wish I could put that on a poster, but I probably can't. But it's a very nice review.”

But, if everything’s made up on the spot, how do improvisers prepare themselves for a night of hilarious, pants-shitting entertainment? For Atawo, it’s about total immersion and collaboration. She plans to draw inspiration from other performers and watch “all things comedy”- whether that’s on the live stage or in revisiting her favourite movies and TV shows.

“...and I know the day of the show, the improvisers are going to meet up to kind of jam with each other,” she says. “Because also, this is a big improv cast that I have this year. And they're from different walks of life, different ethnicities, genders, cultures, religions, and I kind of want us to understand each other as just performers… you know, collect ourselves and hive mind our energy, if possible. Then kill it for the show.”

Similarly, Fistful of Kicks has been spending a lot of time together in preparation for the fest. And, for performer/director/producer Da Silva, an essential component of a great Fistful show is letting go of expectations. Though he has an artistic vision and a few self-described “lofty goals,” he has no trouble surrendering to the moment when he hits the stage.

“I think of myself as a person with opinions about how things should go improv-wise. But if it doesn't, at the very heart of it I want everyone on my team and the audience to have fun,” he says. “I just want everyone to have the best time possible.”

As for those lofty goals? Da Silva hopes Fistful of Kicks can ride their JFL Vancouver momentum to reach new heights. 

“I would love maybe one day to have to play a 3-400 seat theatre or maybe go on tour with Fistful,” he says. “That would be kind of my dream just to have and support all my favourite funny friends.”

Atawo has some big dreams of her own, like putting on a concert as her rap alter ego, “Lil Clitty.” For now, she’s focused on how she wants people to feel after her comedy hour. “I hope they say that was a wild show. A funny show and a crazy show,” she says.

If you’re down for a wild, funny, crazy time, you can get in on the JFL Vancouver excitement here.

Follow Ese: @lilclittyx on IG

Follow Fistful of Kicks: @fistfulofkicks on IG or tightropetheatre.com.