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“Comedy is tragedy plus time.” |
Finally, for those out there that don’t like to laugh, they might be best served by a quote from another lady of show business, Julia Roberts:
“Show me a person who doesn't like to laugh and I'll show you a person with a toe tag.”
In an interview conducted by Guy MacPherson for the Georgia Straight in 2007, Brian Regan was asked if he liked to call himself a clean comic. He responded with "It's like putting a G rating on a movie, you might turn more people away than would come in. I wouldn't want people thinking, 'Oh, he's this real candy-ass, wholesome comic'.
The labels of “dirty comic”, “clean comic” or “political comic” are more often applied to comics than applied by the comics themselves. Some would use it as a sales tool, but for comedians who are serious about their craft, they focus on doing the comedy that comes natural to them.
Ivan Decker could be labeled as clean, but just as Regan feared, that might turn people off of seeing Ivan do his thing; being funny in his uniquely Ivan way.
Decker is young, clean cut and energetic on stage. He has the observational tendencies of Seinfeld where the minutia of everyday life becomes the grounds for dissection and exploration. It may have no correlation, but Decker has spent a lot of time on the road doing a traveling Science World show for students. This is one possible reason for his scientific approach to the writing of his jokes. Looking at every topic from many angles, a hypothesis thoroughly checked.
When he first began doing comedy in Vancouver, his delivery had a quality like a newsreel reporter from the 40’s. This delivery has mellowed, but will reappear when a rapid - fire authority helps the joke pop.
Decker has had his own comedy special on the Comedy Network, has made several appearances on CBC’s The Debaters as well as at Just for Laughs. Whatever label one could apply to Ivan, perhaps the most apt for now would be “rising”.
If you would like to learn more you can go to: www.ivandecker.com
Ivan was kind enough to answer some questions for Vancouver Is Awesome.
When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
I honestly can't remember. I'm sure it involved my younger brother. He once tried to make frozen pizza but left the cardboard circle under the pizza. It was awesome.
What is one myth about live comedy you’d like to dispel?
That "comedy" is all the same. When venues advertise "comedy" they very often don't say what KIND of comedy it's going to be. Comedy has so many different forms and everyone has a different sense of humor, different tastes. If you were advertising for a band to perform you wouldn't just put up a sign that said "MUSIC" because that can mean so many different things. Venues and audience members should get involved and do some research before they decide to hire or go and see a comedian. For the benefit of the comedian and for the benefit of yourself as an audience member, find out what style of comedy you are going to see. If everyone knows what do expect, no one gets disappointed when they wanted a grisly old guy telling hard hitting dick/midget jokes and they end up with a young skinny guy that tells jokes about hamsters and cotton candy.
What would be your idea of a perfect venue?
A theatre show where everyone in the audience knows who I am and is there specifically to see me. Much like the show Mr. Tompkins just did at the Rio. He said it himself, it just makes for a better show when everyone is facing the stage, there's no service staff barking at you to buy more booze, and nobody is upset that their stagette party isn't getting enough attention.... even with their flashing dick hats.
How did you decide that the world of comedy was for you?
I used to get a lot of unintentional laughs when I was in high school. I always tried to be serious but when I got fired up about any issue people would just laugh at me -- mostly because I got upset about trivial things -- but since I seemed to be naturally making people laugh I thought it might be a good idea to head more in that direction.
If you had to describe your style of comedy, what would you say?
I think I have more of a fun silly style of comedy. I guess you could say it's juvenile, but intelligently juvenile. Does that make sense? I'm probably not going to talk about any major issues I just really like to come up with silly ideas and ridiculous imagery. Like robots eating a pizza. How would they do that? They don't have stomachs. What would be on the pizza? Oil and lugnuts? Probably.
You have performed a lot for children. What is the difference between them and adult audiences?
Performing for kids is much different because a lot of the time they don't understand sarcasm. They also don't get a lot of references so you kind of have to go more slapstick. But on the upside, kids are wayyyy more honest. You're never going to get a fake laugh with a group of kids. Also with kids you can get away with doing the same thing 16 times and it'll still be funny. With certain ages of kids it almost gets funnier every time you do it. Like think about the game of peekaboo to a baby. Babies eat it up. you disappear, they know you're coming back, and when you do they laugh like crazy. I just think little kids enjoy being right.
You have a predominantly clean act, what advantages does this give you in the comedy business?
It gives me an opportunity to be hated in most parts of Northern Alberta.... I don't know if it's really done much for me in the way of business. It'll be nice down the road I'm sure because it makes it a lot easier to transition into television where you have to be clean. The one advantage that I do enjoy (it isn't really business related) is that I never have to worry about anyone seeing my comedy because it honestly reflects my personality. I'm not worried if my old teachers or even my grandmother see it because I would never say anything that I'd be ashamed of.
Why is Vancouver a good place for comedy?
Vancouver is awesome because we have so many great comedians and a very healthy appreciation for the arts. People young and old come out and support comedy. There's also lots of different rooms with different types of audiences so you can really get a feel for what kind of people will like you more. It's never good to make generalizations but I think from business perspective it's a good idea to plan out possible future niches.
Who is one performer/group of performers you think everyone should see at least once?
Brian Regan. Also Paul F. Tompkins. Both those guys are hilarious. It's really amazing to see people who have been performing for over 20 years. You get to see a master at work. I guess most people who aren't comedians don't really notice it as much as we do but when you know a little bit about how difficult comedy can be, watching the true veterans is great because you get to be entertained but also inspired.
What is your favorite joke (street of otherwise)?
Norm Macdonald telling the Moth Joke on Conan. Brilliant. I don't think I could do it justice by typing it out. Maybe you could put this link to it in.
Every article about comedy has to have a pun in the title. What would you like yours to be?
Welcome to Ivancouver!
