Being Funny in Deeply Unfunny Times with Gianmarco Soresi

Key takeaways

Comedy is evolving with social media, requiring comedians to adapt their content and approach.
Comedians have a unique opportunity and responsibility to address political topics and societal issues in their work.
Crowd work can be a valuable tool in comedy but should be balanced with traditional material to maintain show integrity.
Addressing sensitive topics requires care and authenticity to connect meaningfully with audiences.

Summary

The Changing Landscape of Comedy

In this section, Adam Conover and Gianmarco Soresi discuss how comedy has transformed over the years, especially with the decline of traditional media like cable television and the explosion of social media. They highlight how comedians now feel pressured to continuously create content for these platforms, which alters their creative processes and the nature of stand-up comedy.

The Role of Politics in Comedy

The conversation shifts towards the intertwining of comedy and politics. Adam and Gianmarco reflect on how comedians today navigate political topics in their material, especially in light of current events and public sentiment. They consider the responsibilities of comedians to address significant issues without compromising the integrity of their art.

The Challenges of Crowd Work

Adam and Gianmarco dive deeper into the topic of crowd work, expressing their mixed feelings about its place in comedy. They argue that while crowd work can be an effective tool for engagement, it can also lead to a decline in standards if not executed well. They discuss the importance of maintaining integrity in performances and balancing crowd interactions with scripted material.

Navigating Controversial Topics

Towards the end of the episode, the discussion turns to how comedians can approach sensitive subjects, such as race, politics, and trauma. Adam and Gianmarco emphasize the need for comedians to be aware of their context and audience, suggesting that authenticity and personal experience can guide them in creating impactful comedy that resonates.

Show notes

Comedy has changed as an art form. On top of social media fundamentally reconfiguring the expectations of the audience for what the role of a comedian is meant to be, we live in deeply unfunny times. Despite these challenges, we still all need to laugh. This week, Adam talks with comedian Gianmarco Soresi about how to adapt to the times without compromising integrity.

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