Thursday, January 14 at 7:30PM EST
A discussion between four diverse stand-up comedians on how to deal with social justice issues and listen to opposing viewpoints while staying sane (and perhaps even laughing a bit).
Social change comes through the right alignment of public opinion, political power and events—and sometimes a crisis. Change depends on social mobilization and leadership and it may occur quickly or over a long period of time. What role do comedians, or provocateurs, play in facilitating change in society?
The Comedians
Kate Willett is a comedian, actress, and writer whose raunchy feminist storytelling is both smart and relatable. She just made her network debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Her 15-minute special premiered on Netflix’s “Comedy Lineup” in 2018. She’s the co-host of the political comedy podcast “Reply Guys.”
Justin Williams has performed at comedy festivals across the US and Canada. He’s also been featured on Comedy Central’s Jokes.com, Mashable, SiriusXM radio, The Elite Daily, Men’s Health Magazine, The Kansas City Star, ‘Morning Buzz Live‘ on VH1, ‘Trial by Laughter’ on Comcast, ‘Laughs’ on Fox and ‘The Comedy Show Show’ on Seeso. In 2018, Justin became co-host of Why Your Train is F*cked, a monthly comedy show about the history of the MTA. In 2019, he appeared in the comedic documentary “Tasteless,” an exploration of the series of controversial books aptly titled ‘Truly Tasteless Jokes’ and the current culture of political correctness. He is also the co-host of the ‘Fraudsters‘ podcast, a joint production of the Last Podcast Network and Spotify.
Lou Perez was the Head Writer and Producer of Webby Award-winning “We the Internet TV” and is the host of “The Lou Perez Podcast”. He began doing improv and sketch comedy while an undergrad at New York University, where he was part of the comedy group the Wicked Wicked Hammerkatz. For years, Lou performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (in NYC and L.A.) in sketch shows with the Hammerkatz and his comedy duo, Greg and Lou. G&L are probably best known for their sketch “Wolverine’s Claws Suck,” which has over 20 million views on various platforms.
Mark DeMayo found ways to get laughs using autobiographical material. From his days at prep school to break dancing and acting classes, Mark has played many roles. He made his television acting debut as a guest star on a show titled “Della Ventura” on CBS. From there, he got steady work on the daytime soap, “As the World Turns.” He also has been on morning radio in New York City, has performed on Showtime’s “White Boyz In Da Hood,” and in the Laffapalooza Comedy Festival. The suggestion to do improv theater came from an acting teacher, and DeMayo took it seriously. Stand-up soon followed.
The Moderator
Audrey Rowe serves as Program Director for the South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. The organization, which was founded in 1996, is a nationally recognized non-profit committed to building a unique, suburban community that is free of racial segregation in housing patterns and community involvement. Their programs promote the advantages of living in a racially inclusive community where all aspects of community life are integrated.
Audrey is actively involved in the community working to achieve racial equity for all students in the schools, to broaden racial representation in local government and community groups and to foster honest dialogue and relationships between neighbors of all races. She’s most happy when dancing with reckless abandon to Soul and R&B or curled up with a book on personal growth and development.
Ticket Details
Tickets are free with advance registration.
Virtual Venue Information
This livestream event is being hosted by SOPAC.
Questions? Please contact the SOPAC Box Office by phone or by email during current operating hours of Monday-Friday, 12PM-4PM.
(973) 313-2787 | boxoffice@SOPACnow.org