Comedians seek safe spaces to joke, not offend
TORONTO — A no-harassment policy at a Winnipeg bar featuring amateur and emerging comics likely stirred more Twitter attacks than quelled off-colour show remarks, admits Winnipeg talent booker Tim Gray.
But he says it’s also found lots of support from like-minded comedy fans tired of cracks that are more abusive than funny.
Gray says his unusual move to post a list of banned behaviours at Wee Johnny’s was meant to address the divisive times we live in, not to limit free speech.
“With the current climate in our society I feel like it’s important to make it clear where you stand on anything that comes down to abusive behaviour,” says Gray, whose bar hosts regular open-mic nights as well as emerging comics.