Young comedians impress more with passion than performance

The country’s only improv comedy troupe performs in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD:

Laughter abounded for two days at Kuch Khaas as Lahore-based improvised (improv) comedy troupe “Room for Improv-ment” took centre stage and tickled Islooites’ funny bone. However, as is common with improv, the audience laughed at the jokes but cackled at the awkward silences between the performances.

“Room for Improv-ment” is not just a playful name for the troupe, it encapsulates the essence of its members; the five twenty-somethings are confident, fresh and funny, though there is definitely room for improvement. “We all met at an improv comedy workshop and hit off instantly. We are proud to say we are the only improv troupe in the country right now,” said Shehzad Ghias Shaikh.

The chemistry between the performers weakened at times when they failed to deliver a seamless flow for the act. “I saw them perform in June and told them whenever they came to town next, I’d love to perform with them. We only practised two hours before each show but I think we managed to get the chemistry right tonight (Friday),” commented Singer and songwriter Natasha Ejaz, who performed on both nights.

More importantly the troupe was able to develop a chemistry with the audience, which was uncharacteristically enthusiastic for the usually ‘dull’ Islamabad crowd. In fact for acts such as “Scene from a Hat”, “Worst time to do the Baywatch show run” and “Meera gives motivational talk to terrorists”, the audience’s suggestions were as humorous as the performance itself.

“Unlike a music concert, [improv] is interactive. That is what we value most about improv and we try to make our act relevant to the audience,” said Shah Fahad, on of the performers.

An unexpected act was based on the singing duo Zeb and Haniya, who were in attendance. The act was a part of “A day in the life of” segment, where Shaikh and Danyal Malik (of Beghairat Brigade fame) comically played out highlights from Zeb and Haniya’s day.

“We were in a cafe when Natasha invited us to come and I’m glad we did. This has been an unexpected treat,” commented Haniya.

Hira, a student at National University of Science and Technology, said she enjoyed the diversity of the performers the most. Each member of the troupe contributed something unique to the performance. While Fahad and Shaikh seem to be more seasoned comedians, their approaches are varied. Fahad has a flare for effortless humour while Shaikh seems more calculated, teetering on cultural jokes that aim to push boundaries.

With age and experience the troupe’s comedy act is sure to become more refined and palatable.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2012.