Ukrainian comedian responded to the war through humor

On October 14, 2023, an unusual event was held in Ukraine Palace, the most prestigious venue in Ukraine.

Anton Tonko Monco became the first Ukrainian single comedy actor to perform his personal performance there.

“I grew up in a village, where the population is less than the population that can accommodate the Ukrainian palace,” he said after the concert. “Many people tell me: This will not happen … Monochrome comedy has not reached that level yet.”

Now, it is largely because Russia has launched a comprehensive invasion.

This invasion has made many Ukrainians no longer appreciate the previously popular and promoted Russian performances, and has caused people to have new interest in Ukraine culture.

The main comedian in Ukraine said that they are now making jokes to help the public respond to the severe reality of the war and help the army by raising funds.

“Single comedy is the economic version of psychotherapy,” Anton Jimornshenko told Broadcasting Corporation.

“I like to use jokes to alleviate the atmosphere of social tension. When this happens, it is the best thing.”

Another popular performer Nastya Zukhvala said that Russia’s comprehensive invasion in February to Ukraine brought “promotion”, although the reason was darker.

“Now for me, the demand for comedy looks natural because of comedy support and unity.

“It can also make reality less disastrous. It is a tool that can help us handle this series of frustrating information,” she told me.

“In order to maintain optimism and even reason, we have no choice.”

So what are the jokes that make Ukraine laugh?

Comedy actor Hanna Kochehura said that this humor is cruel, but the danger of making fun of will make things easier to cope.

“From the perspective of abroad, the situation looks darker, the reason is obvious. Anyone in Ukraine knows that there is no safety here,” she said.

“You never know if this air strike will be your last air strike. You don’t know if the Shahde drone will target your house or your family’s house.

“Of course, all our themes are related to war. Because this is our current life. Monocel comedy is a frank type, and comedians talk about their experiences or ideas,” said Ms. Coccaula.

This is an example-Anton Tomo Moshenko’s joke in the Ukrainian palace performance:

“I never worry about nuclear attacks, because I know that this means death for Kiev’s wealthy residents. I live in the suburbs-Dan nuclear weapons will attack the center. Before radiation affects me, two changes to the subway must be changed to me Essence

“More realisticly, I will be killed by the Iranian Shahde drone. Sadly-do you hear the noise they emit? They sound very frustrating, just like the cheapest way of death.”

“People may laugh at the news,” Anton told me.

“If we are not allowed to use (Western) missiles to attack Russia -yes, this is interesting because it is ridiculous. Based on this absurd fact, it becomes very interesting.

“Of course, Ukraine thinks it is very interesting.”

Western allies were initially reluctant to allow Ukraine to use missiles to attack the targets of Russia. But after several months of pleading, Kiev received a permit: the first short -range weapon May 2024Then there was a long -range missile in November.

The joke of war is full of traps.

Anton Jimoshenko said he tried not to “trigger” the audience or increase the trauma they might have suffered.

“Single comedy during wartime is the most difficult type. It is possible to joke without any offense, but it is like joking in a vacuum,” he said.

However, according to NASTYA ZUKHVALA, it can usually be seen where this line is:

“I have the same feelings as other Ukrainians. If I find something sad or tragedy, I don’t think it is necessary to turn it into a single comedy.”

In Ukraine, there is also a very practical aspect of monolithic comedy -helping its army.

“Almost all the comedians I know are helping the armed forces. All of us participated (for the Ukrainian army) to raise funds. We organized a charity performance and many people performed in front of the army,” said Hannah Cocola.

Some people serve in the army, such as Nastya Zukhvala’s husband Sergei Lipko, who is also a comedian.

“Culture, humor or psychology -these are good, but everything must be practical for military. When so many missiles are hitting you, you will not be interested in art alone Mr. Ke.

“My main task is to hold a concert to raise funds for them.”

He said that since the start of the full invasion in February 2022, he has donated more than 30 million Griffinia (£ 580,000; $ 710,000).