Varied emotions on stage

Club culture

At first glance, improv is considered an impromptu act which is played out on stage using themes and suggestions with help from the audience. One rarely understands the nuances and emotions that parade behind this poetic art form. One secret hidden behind the curtains is that improv is the actor’s life and experiences, often sprinkled with heavy doses of humour. And there are a lot more untold stories behind the hilarious performance that is visible to the naked eye.

In the City, no club better than the motely crew, ‘Improv Comedy Bangalore’ (ICB), to help one dig out the details, unearth the beauty of the artform and explain the need for an explosive chemistry between the actors and audience to churn out refreshing plots. An offshoot from ‘Improv Comedy Mumbai’ (ICM), ICB was formed just five months back and has already achieved a cult status in the realm of comedy. Formed by Nasir, who was part of ICM, and wanted to continue with improv when he moved here, the seven hilarious youngsters of ICB have taken the City by storm with their engaging shows spliced with clean humour. The learning experience in improv is huge which is why Nasir hopes that more people become aware of the artform. He says, “The art has tremendous potential to grow in Bengaluru. ICB became popular in just a few months because of the like-minded audience here.”

For people still new to the concept, Rohit breaks it down to its building blocks. “If one talks on the phone, they generally discuss their past incidents and catch up on their lives. ‘Improv’ is just that; finding humour in truth and reality and unwrapping hidden details to make a beautiful story. The most basic principle we follow is the concept called ‘Yes Anding’. My fellow improviser starts a story and the rest of us take the scene forward.”

   Abhishek, another improviser agrees and adds that in improv, it is important to support the fellow improviser and make him look good on stage. “I was looking to do something adventurous and fun. I happened to attend an ‘improv’ workshop and then realised that this is where my strength lies. Soon, I found myself on Nasir’s  basement and joined ICB.”

The group works on their listening skills, appropriate responses and supporting each other so that they can take on any show like a fearless lot. And they have had a number of full houses. Rohit recalls their successful Christmas special. “It was a long form improv where the audience gave us themes related to Christmas like eggnog, wine, joy, kindness and Jim Reeves.”

Now, the group has taken a plunge into singing, all thanks to musician and member of ICB, Benson Chacko.

A recent member to the group, Benson’s experience in music and playing instruments have helped ICB bring in a new twist to their shows, which is ‘musical improv’.

Madhu, the “baby of the ridiculous, foolish group”, who joined ICB in mid-November, bubbles with excitement as she describes her experiences. She says that she considers the art a metaphor of life itself. “I love the group’s vision. The artistes create new standards for improvisers and make the process so joyful.”

The members also unanimously echo that improv, which is often confused with and faces competition from stand-up comedy, should be looked at as a separate category altogether as both art forms are poles apart.

Madhu adds, “Improv is not about individual brilliance. It’s the energy and chemistry of the actors and audience. On stage, there is not such thing as a ‘mistake’ because none of us know what we will do. Every act is an opportunity to build on an idea.” Improv holds an intimate relationship with each one. If Madhu looks at it as a life-changing concept, the art keeps Rohit’s “sanity in check”.