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Stand-Up in Poland

 

Have you ever watched cabaret? I’m pretty sure, that everybody had this opportunity. Since I remember, cabarets in Poland have a lot of fans. “Ani Mru Mru”? “Kabaret Moralnego Niepokoju”? Yeah, it sounds pretty familliar. Of course, cabarets have considerable group of haters, who say that level of embarrassment during the show is overwhelming. Finally, there is alternative – Stand up!

Łukasz Lotek Lodkowski

https://s.redefine.pl/dcs/o2/redefine/cp/qt/qtxiv2tjhx388tq3q2j669jwef8hn8r4.jpg


Ani Mru Mru

https://krynicazrodlemkultury.pl/wp-content/uploads/amm_2017.jpg


Stand Up in Poland is relatively new, first Stand Up shows had place more or less 10 years ago, around the World this kind of show is more common. Abelart Giza is generally recognised for waymaker. His first show, during polish comedy show “Stand up. Zabij mnie śmiechem", gained huge group of fans. People were delighted, they had alternative for cabarets. Popularity of Stand up in Poland is growing rapidly.


Abelart Giza

https://cdn.galleries.smcloud.net/t/galleries/gf-ZV98-NPxk-qzFo_abelard-giza-664x442-nocrop.jpg

What are the most important differences between cabarets and Stand up? Stand up is definitely for adults, when cabarets are family friendly. Stand Up comedians very often use stream of swear words, their programs include also some controversial content. Stand up is always one-man show. There is also close contact with spectators, what does a great job and makes show unforgettable.


There are some the most known Stand Up comedians: Rafał Pacześ, Łukasz Lodkowski, Kacper Ruciński, Abelard Giza. They are absolutely fantastic, their programs are on very, very high level. Nowadays, they and their fans can easily fill up clubs, theatres even huge part of stadium. Thanks to them, Stand Up in Poland is getting more and more popular.


Rafał Pacześ

https://tygodnikprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JWA_20190606_standup_torun_00095.jpg

People look for a new source of entertainment and Stand Up is a good solution for them. Huge dose of humour, every show is unique, something fresh and not corny.

Highly recommend!

 

What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?

Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?

Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?


Sources:

https://biletyna.pl/blog/paczes-lotek-czy-giza-zestawienie-najpopularniejszych-polskich-standuperow/

https://biletyna.pl/blog/stand-up-co-to-skad-sie-wzielo-i-dlaczego-warto-to-zobaczyc/

http://www.teatr-pismo.pl/archiwalna/index.php?sub=archiwum&f=pokaz&nr=1260&pnr=56


Comments

What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?

I like both, but if have to make a choice between them, I will choose Stand-Up. Some cabaret sketches are hilarious to me, but I think there are more content that makes me laugh in stand-up performances.

Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?

To be honest, I think it might happen. For sure not in the nearest future, but maybe someday. Generational change could force this. Right now I think that stand-up is not adapted to the older spectators, they have different sense of humour. Another factor which can make it harder to watch by older people could be language. Curses and slang words that are often used it stand-up comedy could be inappropriate and misunderstood for them.

Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?

Of course, why not. I think that it would be a great experience, for now I've only been watching stand-up on youtube on facebook, but maybe one day I will come to see it live.
When I saw the title of the article I knew I have to comment! Stand-up show was the last event I’d attended right before the corona virus started so I am very sentimental about it. But starting with the questions - I think it depends on the performer. There are some stand-ups that are embarrassing and feel like someone is trying too hard to make people laugh, but there are also cabarets like this. You just need to find the right performer who actually makes you laugh and not feel the embarrassment. When it comes to the cabarets I used to love ani mru mru, Łowcy.B and the one where was this guy who plays in Ucho Prezesa. However, my very favorite one has always been Limo, the cabaret with Abelard Giza, who right now is my favorite stand-up artist.

I think that stand-up can definitely displace cabaret. I feel like I loved cabaret because my parents used to watch it a lot. But as I was growing up I started being more into stand-up, the same with my parents. I feel like cabarets are more childish, show some imaginary scenes and stand-up is a funny comment to our reality. This is why it might displace cabarets, as people might run out of the ideas for cabarets, but when it comes to stand-up there will always be the reality to make jokes about.

The third question is the one I was waiting to answer since I wrote the first sentence of this comment! I had a chance to attend two Abelard Giza’s stand-up shows and O H M Y G O D I almost died from laughter. Like, I am not kidding. My face hurted so much from smiling, tears washed away my whole make-up, my stomach hurt like never before. At the second show my dad was laughing so hard that at one point he looked at me sitting half bent and said that something must have burst inside him because he cannot straighten up. The second show we attended was 2 weeks before the whole pandemic started, however we already knew about the coronavirus. I still remember the jokes about becoming zombies and other things corona might do to us. We were so unconscious :’) But all in all, Abelard’s shows are one of the best things that have happened in my life and I will definitely attend the next ones. However, it doesn’t mean that every stand-up is great. For example, Abelard had two support acts, and one of them gave you this embarrassing feeling, where he was joking, no one was laughing, it was so strange… So definitely go to stand-up but choose the artist wisely. I think that the best thing about attending such events is that you can hear a lot of jokes that you will never hear from home as they are too strong to show on the television. Also because of the censorship in our “democratic and secular” country some of them are taken off even from youtube (Like it was with the Abelard Giza’s stand up about the Pope or the Limo’s cabaret about religion, and trust me, there was nothing offensive!), so when it comes to Poland, taking part in such events and being able to laugh at some controversial topics with other people feels like freedom. And also, never sit in the front row unless you want to hear the jokes about you for the whole show!
Olga Przytula said…
1. When I was a kid cabaret was very popular in Poland, so I have a huge sentiment to the older sketches from groups like Ani-Mru-Mru or Kabaret Moralnego Niepokoju. Now if I had to choose, I guess I would say I would rather watch Stand-Up. I think it is more up to date. Additionally, I have this distinct impression, that polish cabarets stopped their growth and started to cut the coupons from their popularity. Unfortunately, things they create now are simply not funny.

2. I guess there is a chance. Nowadays I think the only people that are still interested in cabarets are our parents or grandparents, who can just simply turn on the TV while doing something else. We are more internet-based people, sky is the limit when it comes to entertainment and I think internet favors Stand-Up growth. The only drawback that stand-up can meet is their frivolous usage of curse words. Sometimes it is too tiring and unfunny.

However I must admit I would like for old cabarets as Hrabi and (long gone) Kabaret Potem to come back in all their long-gone glory and be super hilarious again.

3. Near my house there was a bar, where people would gather every Friday to watch some kind of a stand-up show. I must admit it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t super funny either. It probably is mainly the fault of the speaker, but I began to wonder, that this may not be the right wait so spend free time for me. However, I do like to watch standuppers on TV or while drawing something 😊
s16427 said…
I definetly prefer stand-up. I used to watch cabarets but only a fraction of them was good. And with time, in general, cabarets got worse and worse. When I found stand-up, I was mesmerized, It's just a guy talking, no props, not even other people on the stage. And against all ods (well, one man talking on stage sounds dull), I loved it!

I think that with time, stand-up will dominate over cabarets. It's fun, anyone can do that, and most important of all, it's fresh. Cabarets got boring, they stopped inventing new stuff. As a support of my opinion, I can mention that couple of caberts members transferred to stand-up, no people did other way around.

I'm not sure I got the question right. "Take part as a specator", like I answer to questions asked by standupper? If so, then I don't. I really prefer just to sit back and enjoy the show. Don't know why, but for some reason it's stressfull for me. That's exactly the thing that I hate in "interactive theatres".
What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?
I definitely prefer stand-up over cabaret. In my opinion most of cabaretes are very cringy and have a horrible taste in humour. There are some sketches which I like but I can't stand most of them. Stand-up is more funny to me.
Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?
I don't think so. In my opinion cabaretes still have a very big audience which doesn't seem to be shrinking. I would say that Stand up is for young people, and cabaretes are for older ones, our parents generation.
Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?
Yes, definitely! I've started watching stand-ups during the pandemy and I didn't have a chance to be in the audience yet. Also my girlfriend also likes comedy shows and I think that this is a great idea for a date.
What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?

If I were made to watch Cabaret or Stand-Up, I would choose Stand-Up. To be honest that situation would be a horror for me because I hate both of them. In my mind their 'jokes' are not funny, the whole story isn't interesting and the context is dull. Stand-Up is so much better because their performances sometimes but rarely are fresh and sarcastic. 

Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?

In a way Cabaret and Stand-Up are rivals but both of them have got their loyal fans. Stand-Up is preferred by young people, but Cabarets are friendly to family at boring Sunday. 

Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?

Definitely no. It's embarrassing to see this, as a spectator I would abandon the stage. 
Paweł Misiejko said…
Hi Milena! To be honest, i'm so suprised that you don't like this kind of entertainment, i didn't expect. Of course, it's fine, i fully understand your opinion. At least, i found out something new about you! At the first opportunity, i will try to convince you to Stand-Up :) I hope, you will change your mind!
Paweł Misiejko said…
Piotr Jarzyński, thank you for your comment, i have very similar opinion. You said, that you didn't have a chance to be in the audience, i can highly recommend you to buy tickets for a Stand-Up show asap, you won't regret. You are right, this is good a good idea for a date. I have one advice for you, don't sit in the front row ;)
Paweł Misiejko said…
Hello Olga! I agree that polish cabarets stopped their growth, there is nothing innovative in their shows. If i watch any sketch, i have impression like I have seen something similar. I can't respond to your opinion about old cabarets like Hrabi, I have never seen any of their sketches. Maybe, i will give them a chance. Anyways, thank you for your comment :)
Paweł Misiejko said…
Hey Przemysław, yup, stand-up will be not appropriate for the majority of older spectators, different sense of humour and curses can disincentivise them. Stand-up is rather for young and medium-aged people, and in my opinion for this type of audience, Stand-up is more attractive than cabarets. Thanks for your opinion.
Viktor Ryś said…
1.
I prefer stand-up by far. I think Polish cabarets, especially the ones shown in TV, are uncreative, written on cliches and stereotypes, not necessary funny and targeted to an older audience. While stand-up on the other hand is very often funny, relatable and more authentic.

2.
When it comes to the younger audience (below 30) I think it already did. It's just a matter of time, before it will be overally more popular. Also stand-up has started shwoing up also on television and in pop-culture. It's no longer limited to youtube clips or standup specials.

3.
I did, many times I highly recommend going to Resort Komedii or Klub Komediowy in Warsaw.
What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?
I prefer stand-up. I don't like cabarets. I've been to many stand-up shows, I really like this form of entertainment both live and on the Internet.
Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?
I think to a large extent that's already happening. Standup related videos have much better views on youtube. Stand-up performances are sold out in bigger and bigger halls like Torwar in Warsaw
Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?
Like I mentioned above, I often go to standup, so of course ze yes. It is my favorite form of entertainment in recent years.


1. Personally, I prefer stand-up. It is quite a new form of entertainment in Poland and it is gaining more and more fans. I think that discussing the themes of our everyday life and their paradoxes amuses us more than the set scenes present in the cabaret.

2. I don't think so. Despite its growing popularity, I don't think cabaret will disappear from the entertainment repertoire. It's just like music. The emerging electronic music did not overshadow classical music, despite the fact that electronic music developed at an impressive rapid pace.

3. I have already been to a few such performances and found them very positively. I would love to repeat this experience.
Paweł Misiejko said…
Hello Magdalena, thank you for such an extensive comment, it is nice to hear that there are more stand-up fans. There is no doubt, that Abelard Giza is one of the best Stand-upers, i watched some of his shows via internet and i love it. I have never been on his performance, but i can see, you higly recommend it, so i hope, in the closest future i will have a chance to take part in one of his shows as a spectator.
Paweł Misiejko said…
Hi Paweł, very interesting comparison, i would say thought-provoking. To be honest, i didn't expect that, but i have to agree, perhaps there is a place for both form of performance.
1. What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?
I definitely prefer a Stand-Ups. I think that the cabarets are a little bit boring - they use the scripts and they are heavily staged. Stand-Ups are much more interesting for me - I know that they also use scripts, however sometimes they comment on people in the audience, so it seems quite natural (and really funny). I have never laughed to tears watching cabarets.

2. Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?
For me, there isn’t any chance for a Stan-Ups to displace the cabarets in Poland. I think that the stand-ups are too controversial for the part of our society. As written in the article, the cabarets are child-friendly - the stand-ups should not be televised. In my opinion, the Stand-Ups are more popular among the youth and cabarets are more popular among the children and elders.

3. Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?
I have already taken part in a stand-up show as a spectator. It was amazing, but I have learnt a lesson - I will never sit in the front row :D
Kacper N said…
It may sound strange but I have never heard about stand-upers. When I was I child I tend to watching some cabarets, but not anymore.

After reading your article I think that would be hard for Stand-up genre. That genres are a bit different and target different audience, so my answer is no.

I think I would take part. It would be a interesting experience.
Marcin Sekrecki said…
1. What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?
Stand-up is much better than cabaret in my opinion. The glory days of cabaret passed about 5 years ago. The performances of cabaret artists became not funny. It used to be a lot of entertainment, I used to attend a few cabarets myself. However, now in the stand-up era, cabaret has been put aside. Stand-uppers can establish a kind of bond with the viewer. It is a bit like a conversation.

2. Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?
In my opinion, yes, it is already happening slowly. This can be noticed, for example, after watching videos on youtube. Stand-ups have much more views than cabarets.

3. Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?
Yes, I have not had the opportunity so far, but I would love to participate in the stand-up. So far I have watched a lot of videos from the performances on youtube.
Adrian Zygo said…
1. Stand-up is much better than cabaret, the Stand-upers talks about real life experience and some strange situations that you can relate when cabarets are focusing on some stupid jokes. I was two times on Stand-up of Rafał Pacześ and Łukasz Lotek and I must admit I have never cried like this when laughing. Their jokes are so much funnier when you heard them live than you can re-watch them on Youtube.

2. From my point of view Stand-ups already replaced cabarets. Just look at the numbers of views of polish stand-upers on Youtube and compare them to the cabaret's ones.

3. Yes I took part at two Stand-ups and it was the best way to spend Friday's evening. When the pandemic will be over I will attend on each Stand-up in Warsaw. If you ever thought about going to Stand-up don't hesitate, it is a lot of fun!
Marek Parr said…
1. What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?

If I'm to choose between one evil and another, then I prefer not to choose at all. I don’t like neither of them, but I think that cabarets are more cringeworthy.

2. Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?

I think that it will happen some time in the future, because I feel like stand ups are becoming more and more popular and younger people don’t like cabarets at all.

3. Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?

Nope. As I said before I don’t like stand ups so I feel like It would be waste of time.
1. What do you prefer? Cabaret or Stand-Up?

I prefer stand up. The cabaret is also great. Cabaret is funny but stand up is funnier because everyday jokes are often used. Something we have contact with on a daily basis will amuse more than something imaginary.

2. Is there any chance for Stand Up to displace cabaret? What do you think?

I think it can happen. But it has to take a while. Today's youth prefer to watch stand up because it refers to today's realities. I think the language may be the main obstacle because our parents prefer cabaret because there is a lot of profanity in stand up. We take it with distance. But sooner or later cabarets may cease to exist.

3. Would you like to take part as a spectator in Stand up show?

I had the pleasure to participate in the stand up. The main actors were Pacześ and Lotek. I think I can recommend such a performance to each of my friends. It is really a lot of laughter and an amazing experience.
Piotr Marchewka said…
1.A man dressed up as a woman... I definitely prefer stand-up. Contrary to appearances, it also requires a lot of acting talent, because it is important how you tell different stories. Some people can spoil the best story and on the other hand some people can tell the worst story very well. I think that determines the quality of the person who performs in stand-up.

2. It's hard to say. I think that standup in Poland is developing quite well and is going in the direction of becoming more popular. I also know that most older people definitely prefer cabarets. So naturally standup will become more popular with time. Still, I believe cabarets will continue to exist because I know people my age who are still more likely to choose cabaret over standup

3. I would love to go to a standup show. I even had such a plan, but unfortunately there were no more places due to very high interest. Later shows were no longer held because of the COVID pandemic.

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