Dark humor for bad times: how comedy helps in Ukraine

On 14 October 2023, an unusual event was held at Ukraine’s most prestigious venue, the Palace of Ukraine in Kiev.

Anton Tymoshenko became the first Ukrainian stand-up comedian to give a solo performance there.

“I grew up in a village with fewer people than the capacity of Palace Ukraine,” he said after the concert. “A lot of people told me: It’s not going to happen…Stand-up comedy hasn’t reached that level.”

This is now largely due to the full-scale invasion launched by Russia.

The invasion turned many Ukrainians away from previously popular and lavishly promoted Russian acts and led to a renewed interest in Ukrainian culture.

Prominent Ukrainian comedians say they are now making jokes to help the public deal with the grim reality of war and help the army by raising money.

“Stand-up comedy is a budget version of psychotherapy,” Anton Tymoshenko tells the BBC.

“I love to relieve social tension with my jokes. When that happens, it’s the best thing.”

Another popular performer, Nastya Zhukhvala, says that Russia’s full-scale invasion in February gave a “boost” to stand-up comedy in Ukraine, albeit for darker reasons.

“The demand for comedy now seems completely natural to me because comedy supports and unites.

She tells me, “It can also make reality less devastating. It’s a tool that can help us process this stream of depressing information.”

“To remain optimistic or sane, we have no other choice.”

So what are the jokes that are making Ukrainians laugh?

Comedian Hanna Kochehura says that this kind of humor is serious, but making fun of the danger makes it easier to deal with.

“From abroad it looks even darker and it’s clear why. Anyone who has been to Ukraine knows there is no safe place here,” she says.

“You never know if this air strike will be your last. You never know if a martyr drone will target your home or your family’s home.

Ms. Kochehura says, “Naturally, all our topics are related to war. Because it is our life now. Stand-up comedy is a candid genre where comedians talk about their experiences or thoughts.”

Here’s an example – a joke from Anton Tymoshenko’s performance at Palace Ukraine:

“I have never been worried about a nuclear attack because I know it would mean death for the wealthy residents of Kiev. I live on the outskirts – but nuclear attacks would hit the central parts. Before the fallout could reach me, He will have to make two changes in the metro.

“More realistically, I would rather be killed by Iranian martyr drones. The sad thing is – have you heard their noise? They sound very depressing, like the cheapest kind of death.”

“People may laugh at this news,” Anton tells me.

“If we are not allowed to use (Western) missiles against targets in Russia – yes, it is ridiculous because it is absurd. I base this on an absurd fact, and it becomes ridiculous.

“Of course, Ukrainians find it funny.”

Western allies were initially reluctant to allow Ukraine to use its missiles against targets in Russia for fear of escalating tensions. But permission was granted after months of pleading by Kiev: the first short-range weapons. May 2024Then long-range missiles in November.

Joking about war is fraught with harm.

Anton Tymoshenko says he is not trying to “trigger” his audience or increase the trauma they may already be suffering from.

He says, “Stand-up comedy is the hardest in times of war. It’s possible to make jokes without offending anyone, but that would be like making jokes in a vacuum.”

But, it is usually possible to see where the line is located according to Nastya Zhukhvala:

“I feel the same as other Ukrainians feel. If I find something sad or sad, I have no need to turn it into stand-up comedy.”

Stand-up comedy in Ukraine also has a very practical side – helping its army.

Hanna Kochehura says, “Almost all the comedians I know are helping the armed forces. We are all involved in raising funds (for the Ukrainian army). We organize charity shows and perform in front of many troops. “

Some, like Nastya Zhukhvala’s husband Serhiy Lipko, himself a comedian, are in the army.

Say, “Culture, humor or psychology – that’s all fine, but everything must be of practical use to the military. When there are so many missiles ready to attack you, why talk about art alone? Not interested in doing.” Mr. Timoshenko.

“My main job is to organize concerts so I can raise money for them.”

He says he has donated more than 30 million hryvnia (£580,000; $710,000) since the start of the full-scale offensive in February 2022.