Aussie comics seek directors' services

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on April 25th, 2007

From Australian daily The Age:

Stand-up comics are increasingly turning to theatre directors to help give their gags extra punch, writes Greg Burchall.

After some initial reluctance, comedian Amelia Jane Hunter paired up with Ansuya Nathan to explore ways in which the director might assist in the creation of her solo show.

“We both come from theatre backgrounds so we could connect on a number of levels and it was fabulous to have some honest feedback,” Hunter says.

So… you have a comedian with three successful solo shows under her belt who teams with a director at the behest of the producers of the show who is reticent, but eventually gushes over the process and the results.

Burchall, however, can’t resist the opportunity to dredge up the classic characterization of standup comics:

Directors usually need to be subtle when they make suggestions to these often insecure or volatile performers.[…]

Yes, that’s us! Often insecure or volatile!

Of course, it matters not that the previous ten paragraphs contradict that description. They’re bursting with quotes from the comedian that demonstrates not insecurity or volatility, but prudence, independence, skepticism. And there is also a willingness to compromise, a concession to suggestions of her producers– even after a record of success– and an eventual, willing admission that the path was the correct one.

But why let that get in the way of a good trashing?

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