Joanne Kam: ‘I’m so sick of hearing people say women are not funny’

IT is always a great catch-up when speaking with fan favourite funnywoman Joanne Kam over what tickles our funny bone.

Indeed it has been a while since we last heard from Kam but the next two nights, beginning at 8.30pm at Stage 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac), will have us relishing in why we love her material so much.

Follow The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle pre-show interview with the comic over what to expect in her latest one-woman comedy show…

The Vibes: Hey Joanne! It’s good to finally have you returning to a live audience at this scale. What can we expect this year?

Joanne Kam: I’m excited too! Well, you can expect a different style and story process in the production. Even if the show runs 90 minutes long, you can expect it to be personal because I share a lot about the relationship I have with the people I met over the years, my parents, the experience as a single mum and the birth of my daughter – all that.

Basically, my life journey will be in the spotlight to bring the audience closer to who I am as an entertainer through humour.

TV: But this is not the first time that you are very comfortable using materials that are very personal and self-reflective. Why is that so?

JK: I think if I were to majorly use analogies in telling my jokes, it wouldn't be as strong or truthful as the real thing. I want to be able to give off a no-holds-barred impression of sorts so that the story is not necessarily covered by unrelated fluff. For the show, I wrote it with the motivation that I want people to get to know me. To also understand that I am not just the ‘hamsap’ comedian they have grown to love.

TV: It's interesting you say that because we do see you embracing your sexuality so well. So, you want to tap into the human side of you that said?

JK: Absolutely, aren’t we all that [humans]? I have gone through all the experiences to get to where I am today 30 years since I started my journey in this industry. I hope the show will truly allow the audience to not only enjoy themselves but identify with the story that I share.

TV: Tell us, how do you usually prepare yourself before a show?

JK: The show is quite technical so for me, I usually zone in and concentrate by being on my own. Just because it’s not necessarily a 10-minute [show], and I have about two sets to get through.

TV: Any surprises from your comedian friends that we can expect on stage? How are you going to dress up for the night?

JK: I will have a cabaret segment to open up the second set but the show is entirely just me. For the latter, my outfits have always been glamorous and the audience can be sure of that for La La Lian 2.0. In fact, I ordered my wig special from Bangkok just for it.

TV: Do you normally design the costumes yourself?

JK: A lot of them are bought readymade but I am really good at matching the looks together. I don't work with any particular designer but I would love to work with Jovian Mandagie. Melinda Looi is also an amazing designer. I think a designer needs to understand how to dress plus-sized women. I mean if I am Amber Chia, anything and everything can fit. Very few designers are able to put something on for women my size that does not make us look ridiculous. We want to look flattering too!

TV: What’s the craziest ensemble you had ever put on?

JK: I did a Miss Universe (skit) quite a long time ago where I had an outfit with stilts on.

TV: Comedy in general has always been male-dominated, how was it like for you as the years progressed?

JK: When I first started comedy, there were not many women comics out in Asia and it’s honestly because here, many women are not daring enough to tell the truth. We were taught to be private and keep matters to ourselves. Basically avoiding airing any dirty laundry, what's more, my style of comedy.

Of course, there are more male figures in the industry but there have slowly been more female comedians rising up. And some have been doing it for the longest time, putting their mark on the same par as their male counterpart.

I think younger female comics need to get good at their own craft if they want to be on the stage or put on their own show.

For women in general we have always had to fight to break the glass ceiling. The scene for us to be heard within society has changed to become more inclusive, especially over the last 10 years. But women today need to also not be afraid to penetrate the kind of brotherhood atmosphere they are dealing with. The representation is important.

TV: Finish this sentence. ‘Female comedians are…

JK: …very brave because they go against societal expectations and come up on stage to tell you what it is like from the female perspective. – The Vibes, September 30, 2022

*Don't miss out on this special comedy performance today and tomorrow. Tickets can be purchased at www.cloudtix.co/shows/la-la-lian. This performance is only for viewing by 18 years and above.