Stand-up comedy in Cyprus has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, evolving from a virtually non-existent art form to a vibrant and growing scene. Today, comedians perform in Greek, Cypriot Greek, and English, with a mix of local talent and international acts contributing to the island’s entertainment landscape.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Stand-up comedy: A New Era for Comedy on the Island
The island’s stand-up scene has grown significantly, fuelled by the efforts of performers like Yorgos Kyriakou, actor and founder of Stantar Kkomety, a prominent local comedy collective. This group organises open mic nights, podcasts, curated showcases, festivals, and themed shows, providing a platform for both seasoned and emerging comedians.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Yorkos the Comically Cypriot
Earlier this year, Kyriakou embarked on a groundbreaking tour across Cyprus with his act, “Yorkos the Comically Cypriot,” delivered in both Cypriot Greek and English. This initiative marked a significant milestone for local audiences, who often only experienced comedy in one language. Kyriakou, originally from Limassol, reflects on his journey: “This is my first craft and my first profession. But I always wanted to do stand-up comedy… I knew it was something that would speak to me.”
The Foundations of a Comedy Scene
Kyriakou’s journey into stand-up began in 2017, and he played a crucial role in establishing the local scene. Collaborating with other comedians, they organised festivals and workshops and fostered a sense of community. “I gave a lot of myself to the collective, the scene and comedy podcast; we took almost all local comics to do a podcast with us and featured them,” he explains. However, as his focus shifted back to his solo career, he recognised the importance of nurturing the scene.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has been instrumental in promoting the local comedy scene. Kyriakou notes, “Of course, social media helped. Netflix and the comedy specials helped, Covid helped immensely because people stayed home and heard about us.” Platforms like TikTok have popularised numerous local comedians, enabling them to hold solo shows and contribute to the burgeoning comedy landscape. Yet, Kyriakou emphasises the necessity of live performances: “You’ve got to have the actual live scene too, you’ve got to have the actual fun, the fun nights. It’s a live art.”
Challenges and Triumphs in Comedy
While the scene has grown, challenges remain, especially for women in comedy. Kyriakou acknowledges that female comedians face greater hurdles in both their personal and professional lives. “I think women have to overcome way more hurdles in their own psyche, in their environment, in their family, and the way society views them,” he states, advocating for a more inclusive representation in comedy.
Language as a Barrier
Creating a comedy act in English poses unique challenges for Kyriakou. “Experience has many fronts. It was harder to come up with a show in English. In Cypriot, I have hours worth of bits that I could remove, add and adjust. But in English, it was harder for me,” he explains. His performances have led him to explore political humour, particularly during events like “Peace Talks,” allowing him to address Cypriot political situations through comedy.
The Social Experiment of Stand-Up
For Kyriakou, stand-up comedy transcends mere entertainment; it serves as a social experiment. “It’s masquerading as a business transaction, but it’s a social experiment. It’s a human just standing or sitting there, uttering absurd things and observing people’s reaction and building on that,” he explains. He believes that the rise of crowd work reflects a societal need for genuine interaction, especially in a world dominated by screens.
Adapting to Audience Evolution
Kyriakou has observed a shift in audience dynamics over the years. “We have become more mature in the way we do it. We are more able to figure out how Cypriots react to various subjects and how to hack them,” he says. This evolution has allowed local comedians to better connect with their audiences, transforming the comedy experience.
Two Faces of Comedy: Greek and English
Performing in Greek and English presents contrasting challenges for Kyriakou. In his Greek shows, he adopts a more ideological stance, addressing common experiences to engage the audience. In English, he feels freer, sharing laughs over the absurdities of Cypriot life without any political affiliations. “There’s more ideology to the Greek shows, I take a stance… Whereas in the English show, I don’t have a horse in the race; we’re just laughing over the Cypriot absurdity,” he reflects.
The Journey Beyond Cyprus
Kyriakou’s comedy has also led him beyond Cyprus, performing in cities like Berlin, Barcelona, and New York. These experiences have enriched his material, allowing him to create jokes that resonate with diverse audiences. “I realised that what I’m doing can sell, because there are internationals who want to learn more about Cyprus, and there are Cypriots who laugh about their Cypriotness,” he states, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in comedy.
Addressing Sensitive Topics with Humour
Throughout his English performances, Kyriakou has tackled sensitive issues such as the war in Gaza and local censorship. He believes that humour can provide a vital platform for discussing difficult subjects. “Finding humour in the situation is the best way,” he states, emphasising the need for cultures to come closer together through understanding and laughter.
The Split between Theatre and Stand-Up
Kyriakou experiences a distinct separation between his work in theatre and stand-up comedy. “When I’m doing theatre, I have different values, different skills; different parts of my character and life force are called upon,” he explains. While he finds theatre to be a more secure environment, he recognises the importance of stand-up in expressing his unique voice and vision.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Comedy in Cyprus
With a series of shows lined up locally and internationally, Kyriakou remains committed to advancing the Cypriot comedy scene. He is also organising the International Comedy Festival in Limassol, which he views as an opportunity to exchange cultural perspectives and address the absurdities of contemporary life.
As Kyriakou puts it, “Stand-up comedy and the festival is my way of somehow coping” with the overwhelming realities of today’s world. In a landscape filled with challenges, the rise of stand-up comedy in Cyprus stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of its performers.
