Challenging The Patriarchy and Tickling Our Funny Bones: The Khawatoons!

What made you want to start an all- women comedy troupe?

The lack of female comedians in the field of comedy.

What is the main philosophy behind it and what do you guys hope to achieve from it?

Just to do good comedy and for women to have a platform that is male dominated. I know plenty of very talented women and I hope that the Khawatoons help women think of taking up comedy as a serious career choice.

What have been some of the major challenges being an all-female comedy troupe in a male dominant society?

I think the answer lies in your question. We have penetrated a market that was a man’s world and still is to a great extent. Thankfully, our shows do well but a lot of hard work goes into them. The challenges are ongoing-it’s tough to find women who can do comedy without inhibitions and even hurdles at home. Even when I find a promising candidate, I’m not sure if they’d be able to stick around.

How do you come up with genuinely unique and funny script?

Everyone is encouraged to be themselves even on stage which means that they bring their own flavour to the group and on stage. Moreover we have extensive rehearsals and training’s to ensure all the performers reach their maximum potential. Each rehearsal is aimed to improve their storytelling skills as well as to help them with physicalization, vocalization and characterization.

Who are your main comedy influencers?

Our show format is inspired by “Who’s Line Is It Anyway” as its most improv comedy in Pakistan.

How would you want the world to remember you?

As trailblazers who changed the face of comedy in Pakistan.

What’s next on cards for ‘The Khawatoons’?

More corporate shows, more performers and more exposure all over Pakistan. I believe we’d be able to consider us successful when we reach the masses eventually.

Image Sources: www.facebook.com/thekhawatoons & www.somethinghaute.com/introducing-the-khawatoons