Dark humour for dark times: How comedy helps in Ukraine

Stand-up comedy has become a vital source of relief for many Ukrainians during the ongoing war, as highlighted by the experiences of comedian Anton Tymoshenko. On October 14, 2023, he made history by being the first Ukrainian stand-up comedian to perform a solo show at the prestigious Palace Ukraine in Kyiv. After his performance, he reflected on his journey, stating, 'I grew up in a village with fewer people than Palace Ukraine can hold. ' This statement underscores the significance of his achievement, especially considering the skepticism he faced from others who doubted the potential of stand-up comedy in Ukraine. However, the full-scale invasion by Russia has shifted public interest away from Russian entertainment and sparked a renewed appreciation for Ukrainian culture, including comedy. Comedians like Anton are now using their craft to help people navigate the grim realities of war while also raising funds for the military. Anton describes stand-up comedy as 'a budget version of psychotherapy,' emphasizing its role in alleviating social tension through humor. Another comedian, Nastya Zukhvala, echoes this sentiment, noting that the war has given stand-up comedy in Ukraine a significant boost, albeit for darker reasons. She explains, 'The demand for comedy looks totally natural to me now because comedy supports and unites. ' This highlights the essential role that laughter plays in maintaining morale and fostering a sense of community during challenging times. The nature of the jokes being told in Ukraine has inevitably changed due to the war. Comedian Hanna Kochehura describes the humor as grim, stating that making light of dangerous situations helps people cope with their fears. She points out, 'You never know if this air raid is going to be your last,' which reflects the constant anxiety faced by those living in Ukraine. The themes of their jokes are deeply intertwined with their lived experiences during the war. For instance, Anton shared a joke about not worrying about a nuclear attack because he lives on the outskirts of Kyiv, humorously suggesting that the wealthy residents in the city center would be the ones in danger. He also commented on the sound of Iranian Shahed drones, describing it as 'very demotivating. ' Anton believes that humor can provide a coping mechanism for people, stating, 'If we're not allowed to use Western missiles against targets in Russia — yes, that is funny because it is absurd. ' This illustrates how comedy can serve as a tool for processing the absurdities of their situation. However, navigating the world of comedy during wartime is fraught with challenges. Anton acknowledges the difficulty of making jokes without triggering painful memories for his audience. He states, 'Stand-up comedy in wartime is the most difficult type. ' Nastya Zukhvala shares a similar perspective, emphasizing that if something is sad or tragic, it should not be turned into a joke. Beyond providing laughter, many comedians in Ukraine are actively supporting the military. Hanna Kochehura notes that nearly all the comedians she knows are involved in fundraising efforts for the armed forces. They organize charity shows and perform for military personnel, demonstrating their commitment to supporting those on the front lines. Some comedians, like Nastya's husband, are even serving in the army themselves. Anton has made significant contributions to the military, having raised over 30 million hryvnias since the war began. This highlights the dual role of comedy in Ukraine: as a source of laughter and as a means of practical support for the military. In these dark times, the ability to find humor in the face of adversity is not only a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people but also a crucial element in their fight for survival.