A stand-up comedian, Sunthar Vykunthanathan, altered his comedy routine by incorporating more Tamil language after realizing a significant portion of his audience was Tamil-speaking. By infusing Tamil words into his jokes, he could relate better to his audience, making cultural references that resonated with both local and international crowds during his tours in the U.S., Europe, and India. Vykunthanathan, also known as Sunthar V., who integrates his queer identity into his performances, has achieved success by selling out venues like Massey Hall in Toronto, performing at Just for Laughs in Toronto, and is set to appear at the festival in Montreal.
In Canada, a growing trend among comedians is to use their mother tongues in their acts to convey more authentic narratives, reclaim histories influenced by migration and colonialism, and introduce audiences to diverse perspectives. Vykunthanathan, reflecting on his upbringing in Scarborough, Ont., as the child of Sri Lankan refugees escaping a civil war that suppressed Tamil culture, emphasizes the importance of using arts and culture to preserve one of the world’s oldest languages.
Scarlet Chen, an immigrant from China now residing in Gabriola Island, B.C., initially hesitated to incorporate Mandarin into her comedy routines but eventually embraced it as a way to share her immigrant experience with the audience authentically. Chen, drawing from her observations and bilingual thinking, seamlessly blends Mandarin words and phrases into her comedy, aiming to offer audiences a glimpse into her unique perspective. She has performed alongside renowned comedian Maria Bamford, debuted her one-woman show “Citizen Chen,” and is scheduled to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.
Cheyenna Sapp, known as Shy Sapp, a Nehiyaw (Cree) comedian, actor, and writer, uses her comedy to educate and connect with audiences on Indigenous issues. Infusing Cree language into her performances, Sapp aims to reclaim her culture and heritage, showcasing her connection to the land and promoting Indigenous identity. By incorporating Cree words and phrases, Sapp not only builds rapport with audience members familiar with “rez slang” but also stands as a form of resistance and resilience against the historical erasure of Indigenous languages.
These comedians, including Vykunthanathan, Chen, and Sapp, are not only showcasing their talents but also paving the way for aspiring performers from diverse backgrounds. Vykunthanathan initiated Tamil-language comedy clubs in various cities, Chen organized comedy shows and workshops to inspire immigrant youth, and Sapp advocates for Indigenous representation in comedy to empower future generations to embrace their cultural heritage.