The summer may be winding down (gross, I’m sorry for pointing that out), but the Montreal festival season is still in full-swing. Hot on the heels of the 2011 Just for Laugh’s tour comes She’s Canadian, Eh!, the first edition of a brand new women’s comedy festival produced by the deliriously funny Eman, and featuring a rofl-worthy group of Montreal’s best female comics. From August 18 to 21, the very talented Claire Brosseau (who recently completed the infamous one-year ‘manbbatical’) and screenwriter/comedienne Heidi Foss will each headline an evening of (dirty) comedy, along with Jen Grant, Christina Walkinshaw and other special guests. We chatted with festival founder/comic/mover-and-shaker Eman about the fest’s purpose, the state of Montreal’s comedy scene and Canada’s inherent hilariousness.

What convinced you that the time was right for a female-centric Montreal comedy festival?

I’ve wanted to celebrate the hilarity and variety of Canadian female comics for a long time now. To be honest, summertime in Montreal is the perfect opportunity to do it since we all look so cute in our summer outfits!

Would you say there exist key differences between Canadian comics and their American counterparts?

I believe the differences between us are all very subtle – but overall, Canadian comics tend to be funnier because our beer is stronger. 

Duly noted. And what are your thoughts on Tim Hortons and/or dog-sledding?

I love how cheap Tim Hortons’ snacks are! It’s always a shock when I pay the cashier – I’m used to Starbucks and 14$ coffees. Your bill will never be 14$ at Tim Hortons, even if you buy 14 coffees. As for dog-sledding, I’ve never been – though I’m positive that, as a Canadian, I would love it!

How did you break into the comedy scene?

I currently bartend at Montreal’s Comedyworks (1238 Bishop); I’ve always been so fascinated by stand-up comedy that I literally wanted to surround myself with it. A few years ago, I attended a comedy workshop in New York City – which winded up being completely bogus, as the instructor himself had never actually done stand-up comedy! – and I had the opportunity to perform on some of NYC’s most renowned stages. I returned to Montreal and I haven’t stopped since. This October will actually mark the 5-year anniversary of that infamous New York trip!

Why is Montreal such a great city for comedy?

Well, Montreal isn’t really a great city for comedy. Don’t get me wrong, we have a lot of talented comedians, but not enough stage time for us to grow as fast as we should. That is why it is so important for those in the business to create and produce shows. This is finally beginning to happen, so with luck, Montreal will soon be the best place for comedy. Of course, there’s no denying that Montreal is a very creative city – it is where Just for Laughs and She’s Canadian, Eh! started, after all!

Can you offer any words of advice to aspiring female comics?

Hell no! There’s enough competition already! Just kidding. Honestly, it’s always so important to do what you are passionate about. Male or female – funny is funny. Yet, it can take a long time and a lot of hard work to make it in this business. So a lot of patience and determination are key. Like, a lot a lot.

What is your favourite part about living Canada?

Freedom. I am Palestinian, so freedom is scarce for us – be it from our Israeli neighbours or our own sometimes-backwards culture. Canada is just really awesome in that regard, and of course, I’m really grateful for how hilarious Canadian ladies are!

Join Eman and her co-comics at Théâtre Ste-Catherine (264 St-Catherine East) from Thursday, August 18 to Saturday, August 20, 2011. The show begins at 8pm on opening night, and 7:30pm each subsequent evening. $20 per night.

~ Tyler Yank
Photo: Amelie Cousineau