Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s shows scheduled for the next 20 days in Bangalore have been cancelled. Kamra took to social media and wrote, ‘Hello people of Bangalore, I am happy to inform that my shows which were scheduled over the next 20 days have been cancelled.’ Earlier, comedian Munawar Faruqui’s shows in Bangalore were cancelled.
In a post captioned “Cancelling comedy shows 101”, stand-up artist Kunal Kamra wrote, “They [the shows] have been cancelled for two reasons. Firstly, we didn’t get special permissions to seat 45 people in the venue that can seat more. Secondly, threats have been made to shut down the venue if I were to ever perform there. I guess this is also part of the Covid protocol & new guidelines. I suppose I am seen as a variant of the virus now.”
‘He further added, “For those on Twitter that have been wondering how ‘A Kamra goes on to perform while a Faruqui has had to quit comedy’ we can find solace in the fact that the ruling class is at least trying to oppress with equality. Maybe if we continue down the road of equal oppression, we would get to a point of equal liberation, in a post-climate change era”.
He further listed five steps to get a comedian’s show cancelled.
“If they use this method & a show is not cancelled I’ll give up being a stand-up comedian. Step no 1 – Inform police that there could be violence. Step no 2 – Inform venue owner there could be violence. Step no 3 – Inform artist that if he/she/they will be coming there will surely be violence. Step no 4 – Remind the venue of what could happen if the artist manages to do a show despite the threats.
“Step no 5 – Be ready with celebration memes that show your victory and togetherness in missing the point. You can also apply this formula to an artist that you don’t agree with, you don’t find funny or don’t like their art…”