More than just stand up from queer and female performers.
A new group of performers hopes to invigorate the Icelandic comedy scene and they’re called Soulflow. Hosting weekly open mic shows at Gaukurinn, Katrín Björk, Kimi Tayler, and Krúz Estée are shaking up the norms when it comes to who’s on the mic.
Like the comedy world as a whole, the Reykjavik scene is dominated by male performers and carries an air of heteronormativity. Soulflow’s goal is to shine a spotlight on those who identify as female and LGBTQ+ specifically, giving them a safe and supportive platform where their voices can be heard. “Comedy is often described as one of the last bastions of free speech, but unfortunately this can sometimes be used as a foil for sexism, misogyny, racism, and homophobia” says Katrín.
To be clear, Soulflow isn’t about being politically correct or excluding anyone. Rather, it’s about “understanding the privilege of a platform and including those on the fringes who haven’t felt welcome, or have felt dehumanised or like the butt of the joke for too long. We’re just claiming our own narrative!” Shows will be more than just stand-up too; Soulflow will be a mix of character comedy, musical comedy, sketch, audience participation, and improv.
Gaukurinn is the perfect venue for the trio, as it’s where Kat first got up on stage to try comedy, served as the venue for several of Krúz’s POWAQA hip-hop evenings, and it’s where Kimi first did comedy in Iceland. The venue has regularly hosted Monday comedy nights in English for four years, and has long been a home for what Katrín says are the “misfits and outsiders. But it’s where you’re always made to feel like an insider regardless of who you are! It’s home to Drag-Súgur and has long been established as a queer welcoming and friendly establishment.”
About the comedians:
Katrín Björk (Kat McDougal)
Katrín Björk was born in Iceland but grew up in London and has lived a long while in Scotland…actually, she lived in the comedy capital of the world Edinburgh for 8 years before moving to Iceland and then deciding to try comedy. It makes total sense. Kat McDougal first graced the stage around 3 years ago now and Soulflow Comedy is a great way to blend big passions; comedy, diversity, equality and inclusion
Kimi Tayler
Kimi Tayler is a British standup comedian, visual and performance artist, Reykjavik Fringe 2019 award-winning disco dancer (!) and proud aspiring/rubbish Power Lesbian. She’s performed in London, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and will take her one-woman show “Swimming Properly” to this years Stockholm Fringe Festival in September.
Krúz Estée
Krúz Estée was born and raised in California and has been living in Iceland since 2003. Always ready with her razor-sharp wit, Krúz is a freestyle hip hop artist and has a strong passion for music, poetry and spoken word. She has performed in several venues across Reykjavík but more frequently off stage freestyling with her beatboxer all around town. She is the mother of one and is passionate about this project and the space it opens up for many, including maybe her daughter one day and many more generations to come.
About the shows:
Soulflow Comedy will host weekly open-mic comedy nights at Gaukurinn starting at 9 PM every week, starting the 22nd of July. Only women and queer individuals are invited to sign-up however, all are welcome to attend. You can sign up by visiting their Facebook page & sending them a message.
Soulflow’s premiere show is on the 15th of July – as our first show, the format will differ to include an introduction from Soulflow’s co-creators followed by a series of audience participation games. The second half will feature a line-up of more seasoned comedians to kick start Soulflow Comedy.
The line up on the 15th is:
– Kat McDougal (Katrín Björk)
– Laufey Haraldsdóttir
– Kimi Tayler- comedy
– Snjólaug Lúðviksdóttir
– Jono Duffy
& hosted by HANS (Hannah Jane)
On opening night there will be deals at the bar including 1000 ISK gin & tonics as well as the grand reveal of our new signature cocktail, Ovaryaction.
All shows will be free & in English.
Contact details:
E-mail: soulflow.comedy@gmail.com
Insta: @soulflow.comedy
Facebook: @soulflow.comedy
Twitter: soulflowcomedy