How Russian Comedians Attempt to Stay Relevant During Wartime – By Reuters

Title: The Delicate Art of Joking About Politics in Russia

Comedy about Vladimir Putin has become a sensitive venture in Moscow’s nightlife, where comedians navigate a tricky landscape amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Stand-up comedian Ivan Garkushko emphasizes the importance of approach when joking about any topic, stating that the key lies in ensuring no one feels hurt or provokes conflict among the audience. "There are very polar opinions, and it’s not worth touching on painful subjects… You have to self-edit and recognize what is acceptable," he explains.

Boris Zeliger, another comedian, observed that jokes with political undertones often elicit surprised reactions rather than laughter. As a result, he prefers tackling themes surrounding relationships and everyday life. "Comedians who focus on politically charged jokes typically end up leaving the country," he remarks.

This trend is exemplified by the founders of Comigration, a collective of comedians who fled Russia following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and now perform in Georgia. Their material starkly contrasts with that of their Russian counterparts; Ilya Ovechkin, a member of Comigration, notes that references to Putin can increase laughter significantly.

In Russia, recent laws have classified it as a crime to "discredit" the military or spread what the government deems "false information." Ovechkin expresses relief at escaping an environment where censorship looms large. He recalls performing while being confronted by war veterans in the audience, which could lead to hostile encounters even without political commentary.

Ariana Lolaeva, also a co-founder of Comigration and who faced fines for "discrediting" the military on social media, shares that she now feels liberated to perform without constraint.

During a recent performance, she joked, "I just saw the stats that 60% of all women in Russia have had at least one erotic dream about Putin. Think about it – 60%. Even there, he rigged the poll!"

In this setting, humor offers a means of navigating a complex and often dangerous landscape, balancing the desire to entertain with the need for caution.