My Comedy Process

 

Some comics seem to always think funny.  Some have talked to me and I thought it was a conversation, but they were working comedy material.  I told one man that I couldn’t tell when he was being serious or doing material.  He said, “That’s the way it should be.”  I thought, not if you want to truly communicate.  I got so turned off.  We were having a meal together, and I, disappointed, just ate in silence.

Another time, I shared a troubling story from my childhood with another comic.  I thought we were having a conversation, but instead of having empathy, she was laughing.  It wasn’t a funny story (though one could get comedy material from it).  I felt very uncomfortable.  “You think that’s funny?”  She said, “Yes.  If you don’t do something with it, I will.”  I couldn’t understand why someone with a life of her own would want to use a piece of my life as if it were hers.  I told her I will be writing that story but maybe not as comedy.  I haven’t shared much with her since.  I suspect she did use my story in her comedy, but I wouldn’t know that for sure.  I presented the story in a storytelling event at Lehman Stages.  I did include a bit of humor in it, but, overall, it was a serious and troubling story.

So, I am grateful to be part of a memoir workshop and also a poetry workshop, both meeting weekly.  I need to get through the seriousness and pain of much of my life stories before I can begin to find the funny.  It’s a longer journey, but that seems to be my process.  I’m not a joke machine.

I’ve also had the pleasure of talking with comics who get what I’m saying.  One shared that she took a long time before including comedy about her mom.  Another shared in a serious conversation about his upbringing.  There were no jokes in the conversation.  When I saw him perform on stage, he turned some of that into hilarity.  I knew the back story which made me appreciate it even more.  Most of my comedy material did not begin as funny experiences. 

 

https://youtu.be/8ZDMtue_0Z8

 

 

Love to CGG-M  ❤ ❤ ❤

Mindy Matijasevic

October 2022

 

Laughter, Angels, & T-shirts

 

For those who attended the Almost Fall Comedy Show at The Artist on City Island, I’m glad you enjoyed.  For those who wanted to but couldn’t, plan now for December 9^th, 8pm.  It’s a very fun time. 

 

 

Health and financial issues are still happening, but so are blessings.  A long-time friend made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.  It’s a loan with no deadline other than when I can.  It got me out of a hole I was sinking into.  It also has given me a chance to get acting work again.  I wouldn’t even apply for things since the pandemic, but now that the situation is more under control (aside from West Nile, Polio, Monkey Pox, new strains of Covid), I HAVE to earn money again.  My friend saw that it couldn’t happen if my internet and phones would be shut off.  That motivated her to offer me a life vest.  I was not happy to need it, but so grateful to her.

 

 

A couple of months ago, my tv set lost the picture.  So I’ve been listening to tv sometimes the way we listened to the radio.  Some shows are still good enough without the picture.  Family Feud and 25 Words or Less are still enjoyable to me.  Sometimes I listen to reruns of shows I’ve seen and characters whose voices I know.  Since I have bigger problems, I haven’t done anything about it.  It didn’t make the top five list.  Well, the same angel who gave me a loan has a niece who was getting rid of a working tv.  My friend took it home and when we get together, I’ll have it.  There are many ways I feel blessed.

 

The idea of a tv with the picture seems luxurious at this moment.  I look forward to it.

 

The apartment building where I live has had no gas for a couple of months now.  It may not for a few more months.  Having a flame from my stove would feel like luxury also.  When you don’t have something you want or need for a while, it’s a real good feeling to have it again.

 

Speaking of good feelings, the next comedy show I’m having at The Artist on City Island is Friday, December 9^th.  If at that time, you are still holiday shopping, there are lovely shops on City Island with unique gift items.  Plus I’ll be bringing some of my remaining inventory of this unique, unisex, gift item:

 

 

If this appeals to you, I’ll be sharing poetry and/or short prose at Evie Ivy’s “Dance of the Word” event on Sunday, October 30^th, 6-8pm.  This event offers poetry, prose, music, and belly dancing.  353 West 48^th. 

 

Hope to be in touch again next week.  😊 😁 😃 😄

 

 

Love to CGG-M ❤ 💕 ❤

Mindy Matijasevic

October 2022