Venessa Peruda describes her comedy as original, edgy, and absurd—revelling in the ridiculous truth of being human before shanking audiences with something really dark, all while refusing to shy away from politics because she doesn’t give a fuck. Influenced by Maria Bamford (her current favourite), Chelsea Peretti, and George Carlin (about whom she recently had a weird sex dream that she insists readers should know), Peruda grew up on Jim Carrey and In Living Colour before developing a style that’s taken her from NYC and LA to Montreal, Mexico City, Edinburgh, and Berlin.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I love pointing out and playing with the absurdities of life. Being human is ridiculous, and I think it’s fun to revel in that truth with audiences. Then I like to switch it up and shank you with something really dark. I also can’t help but talk about politics. IDGAF. But yeah, original, edgy, and absurd- that’s what my business cards say.
Who are some of your influences?
Maria Bamford, Chelsea Peretti, George Carlin. I had a weird sex dream about Carlin recently. I think your readers should know that.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Jim Carrey, hands down. Anything on ‘In Living Colour’.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Maria Bamford.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Take a pee. Hydrate. And I try to watch the comics before me to see what the room is responding to.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I don’t know if I have a favourite place. I’ve done stand-up all over NYC, LA, the U.S., Montreal, Mexico City, Edinburgh, and Berlin. Every place offers something different. Wherever the crowd is hot. The crowd can make or break a show. Wherever people are open and willing to go with you on a ride. That’s my favourite place to perform.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have a bit about the politics of women’s pocket space that I think is genius. And I’ve been doing that bit since 2010. I think it’s important your readers know that too. I did it first! So, yes, I am a visionary. What was the question?
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Going out to shows. Social media is full of slop and horrible crowd work; it’s embarrassing. You want to find the best up-and-coming comics, go to independently produced shows in your town.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I recently heard someone say that New York City is a phys opp… That shook me so hard, I almost dropped my pathological obsession with success.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Yassssssssssss, I’m very excited about my solo-show I just took to the Ed Fringe. ‘All the Rage’ is a dark comedy about female rage. It isn’t exactly stand-up; it has a little bit of everything. It’s the righteous breakdown every woman needs. Unhinged and therapeutic. It’s an indoctrination, it’s feral, it’s subversive storytelling about women’s anger; where it comes from, why it’s valid, and how comedy can help you process it.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
