Page 144 - Katherine Ryan press pack

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According to you, what is good comedy?

I like comedy that is a little provocative. When I was starting out, I didn’t know what drew me to edgy
comedy. I think a lot of new comics are becoming “shock comics,” but it’s not really progressive or
provocative just to say something shocking. I love the edginess of Louis CK or Dave Chapelle. What is it
about what they do that I like? To me, the best comedy is usually satirical. It’s a snapshot of what’s going
on in politics or culture with your own authentic voice applied to it. When I watch a comedian, I don’t just

want to hear jokes; some people do. I want to really identify with a comedian’s unique voice – this is what
makes them valuable. I’m still learning when doing comedy, which I’ve done for 10 years. It’s not long
enough. Comedy is this wonderful trade that you should be doing for 40 years before you know what

you’re talking about. I’m always interested in the perspective and the voice on a given issue because the
news is too serious for me.

I feel like politicians tell lots of little truths, but the bigger picture is this massive lie, whereas comedians
tell little lies, but the central point is this great truth. I feel I get more truth from comedy than anything
else. That’s how I like to ingest the world.