Look out — this comedy show has an agenda!
A Canadian comedian has launched a touring comedy show to promote the values of his multicultural, maple syrup–loving homeland. “The Most Races Show on Earth,” coming to the Knitting Factory in Williamsburg on April 11, aims to push diversity by bringing together comedians and audiences of all races, cultures, religions, and sexual orientations. The show’s founder says the power of laughter will help him to indoctrinate audiences with the beliefs of his hometown of Toronto, sometimes called the most multi-cultural city on Earth.
“All diversity does is offer perspective, and how I present it to audiences is through comedy — through laughter,” said Neil Bansil. “I just want to give people a taste of Toronto and how I grew up, and maybe, over time, change will come.”
To promote his sinister agenda of tolerance and understanding, Bansil recruited seven performers from different backgrounds and cultures. The lineup includes Brooklyn comedian Rob Haze, Sheng Wang — a lead writer for the show “Fresh Off The Boat,” Drew Thomas, Nuyorican comedienne Gina Brillon, Daniel Tirado, and Eman El Husseini.
Bansil said that he looked for comics who can slip past an audience’s defenses and connect across cultures.
“The comedians I tend to gravitate towards are the ones who are authentic and have an ability to connect to audiences on a deeper level than just making them laugh,” Bansil said. “It’s a personal goal for me to scour and feature comedians from all backgrounds who I feel can make it to the next level in comedy.”
And the election of Trump has only made Bansil more determined to spread his message, he said.
“Race relations has always been a hot topic in the U.S., but ever since the election we have seen a rise in hateful rhetoric and it has emboldened a previously silent majority to think that it’s now okay to blame the problems of the U.S. on immigrants, on religion, on sexual orientation,” said Bansil. “The good news is, it has also emboldened those who embrace diversity and multiculturalism to double down on their efforts to show support against hateful people.”
“The Most Races On Earth Show!” at the Knitting Factory [361 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg (347) 529–6696, bk.knitt
