Come this weekend, TM Karthik will make sure he tickles your funny bone at Wandering Artist’s (WA) next edition of Stairway to Laughter , a stand-up comedy show, hosted by two other comedians, Vikash Paul and Jagan Krishnan.
Regarding the content, he says he cannot divulge much, to keep alive the suspense element. “I will be reinventing some of my old works. I have tweaked it here and there, since many things have changed; including the prime ministers and the phase of life I am in.” His performance, though, will begin with a song. “I will probably decide on which song, after I see my hosts’ performances.”
The emphasis on this show, however, will be on story telling. Karthik will present stories from his travels and how he found his girl. “It will be partly endearing and partly funny.” His stylistics, he says, are derived from his past experience with V Balakrishnan (Bala) of Theatre Nisha. “Bala believes in story telling over mere performance. He would ask us to make the story sound gripping. How compelling you can make the story is what is important.” In his show, he prefers his audience to remember his story rather than the jokes, he adds.
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In the last few years, however, Karthik has shifted gears to serious theatre. “I primarily do stand-up for causes to raise money or funds, like for the Chennai floods or Vardah. I have performed for private audiences. Stand-up comedy rakes in the moolah, theatre does not pay as much.” Proceeds worth ₹1 lakh from his show for the Rotary Club six months ago went towards a school for children with autism. “It felt good that in half an hour I made people laugh as well as raised money for a good cause.”
The multi-faceted artiste has also acted in 15 films. “After cinema, I have to do theatre. Otherwise, I will die,” he laughs.
Karthik thinks much has changed in the contemporary theatre scene. “Today, the quality, talent, techniques, and design have improved. Many groups, across India, are making good money.”
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However, he has problems with artistes using cuss words, and below-the-belt and culturally sensitive jokes. Humour should be clean. “I do not take it as any form of art. We are desperate for the audience to laugh. And, these jokes are often the easy route.”
The performance will be staged at WA, RA Puram on July 1 at 7.30 pm Tickets are available at bookmyshow.com.