What do Trolls, Buddhists and Oskar Schindler have in common? They were all part of the English Comedy Night in Olomouc last Tuesday. I know what you're thinking: The title of this blog is "Hidden Gems Of The Okres Šumperk" and here Lea is again posting about another region. Hear me out though you are not going to want to miss out on this post. This time I am not going to talk about a specific town (even though Olomouc is worth a visit without a doubt) but rather an event I went to.
If you have been to the Czech Republic you have probably heard or noticed that czech people don't really smile. Well, that changes once they come to Olomouc. Every month the theatre divadlo na cucky has an English Comedy Show that is hosted by Joanna Sio. Joanna Sio is an extraordinary woman that was born in Hong Kong and works as an improviser and stand up comedian. She has done many remarkable things like winning second place at the HK International Comedy Competition while being 9 months pregnant or representing Hong Kong in the Laugh Factory's Funniest Person in the World Competition. She has travelled to numerous countries to perform and inspire people and now lives in the Czech Republic and blesses foreigners and locals alike with her Comedy Show.
I first heard about this event from another European Solidarity Corps volunteer who works at the theatre and invited me to see the show. Once you get to the theatre its already an incredible atmosphere. They have a small cafe so feel free to come a little earlier, get something to drink, eat a snack and get in the mood. Whether you are a foreigner in the Czech Republic who would like to meet English speaking people or a local who would like to do the same - this event is a great opportunity to do so. As someone who doesn't speak Czech it can sometimes be hard to meet new people. I feel like that is one of the reasons why I would have wished to know about events like this when I first came here.
THE NIGHT
The first guest of the night was Tomáš Kachel who is a local comic. He was supposed to be the "warm-up" for the show but I would have loved to see more of him. His awkward and clumsy yet effortless style of comedy really got me. I felt like he has his own unique style that incorporates political and daily life jokes effortlessly and really engages the crowd.
The second performer is also known as (probably) the smallest comedian in the Czech Republic - Lucie Macháčková. If you are somewhat familiar with comedy shows or czech comedians you have probably heard of her. If not I am happy to tell you more! She is a stand-up comedian, screenwriter, moderator, actor and lecturer. She is currently even a regular on the popular TV show 'Comedy Club', which airs on Comedy Central. If you want a little taste of her style of comedy you should definitely look her up online and I can garante that you won't stop laughing. As of right now I couldn't find any of her English shows but that just makes it an opportunity to test your Czech.
The main act of the night was the international stand-up comic, Oleg Denisov. He is originally from Russia but blesses town all over Europe with his humor now. He was even part of the Edinburgh Fringe - one of the biggest Comedy Festivals in the world. His show was called "Russian Troll". The obvious reason for the name is because the term has been covered by the media more than enough. The other reason is a bit harder to figure out. It's about the mystical creature called “Troll” which was invented by Scandinavian people and pose as a metaphor for modern people losing themselves in their information bubbles. Just like the name the show itself is more than just political comedy. His shows are more than just entertaining - they are educational as well. You will find yourself laughing, thinking and also feeling slightly guilty for laughing sometimes. There is no doubt for me why so many people come to see his shows. Not convinced yet? See for yourself:
THOUGHTS
People before me have said it and people after me will too but that still won't stop me from stating the obvious: Laughing is the best medicine. For me, going to this event was like the cheaper version of getting a massage or going to the spa. After I felt relaxed and refreshed. The way of getting there might not have involved the same methods but it worked nonetheless. I never new sitting in a dark room and laughing at jokes could be a healing experience but it was. I also just want to state that humor is very subjective and that this is in no way, shape or form a review of any of the comedians rather just me enjoying my time and recommending you to do the same.
In general the Comedy Show features czech and foreign artists alike who do stand up comedy in English. There are around three guests each time. Don't worry if you miss one - they are held every month. The ticket prices range from 120 to 180 crowns which is totally worth it!