She Haw

The first annual SheDot comedy festival started Thursday night and will run for 4 days. The focus is all female comics, perhaps to give them more exposure, and maybe also to thumb a nose to various claims that "women aren't funny." There are multiple shows covering sketches, improv, and stand-up as well as categories including a PG show vs. SheUnleashed, a dark and dirty showcase. I dropped by the Comedy Bar for SheDot TDot which put the spotlight on standup comics from Toronto.

Sara Hennessey made for a manic MC whose growing preoccupation with Chatelaine, wedding planning, and other "grown-up" concerns was worrisome for her self-image as a fun-loving, young woman. She promised a night of "female" tales with a few sop to the men in the audience. But contrary to her assertion, there was no divacup stories. There were plenty about water births (Julia Bruce), breast-feeding (Zabrina Chevannes), sex toys (Rachelle Elie), and periods (Keesha Brownie). Some women of colour also tackled racism including the borderline racist friend (Hoodo Hersi). But they also covered other topics such boyfriends (Karen Mitten), airport security (Candice Gregoris), and living near a strip club (Lianne Mauladin). There were funny moments but also a couple that got more smiles than laughs. The stand-out was Chevannes, who had the most engaging stage presence and a consistently hilarious set. It started with her handling of a disruptive drunken girl ("Security ... security never helps a black woman"). Actually, they did respond quickly and ushered her out. Chevannes then proceeded with several guffaw-worthy stories including her comic stint in L.A.

For a first year, the festival was well organized with sponsors, t-shirts, and volunteers. On the 1st night, there were mostly women sitting in the audience. Hopefully, a more general crowd will attend over the next few days.