Oct 6, 2023

Humor by Moldavsky

El comediante Roberto Moldavsky — Roberto Moldavsky

Many people possess the ability to make others laugh, but only a select few, like Roberto Moldavsky, master "The Art of Comedy." He excels in intelligent humor, achieved through the careful analysis and deconstruction of various facets of reality.

With the sheer power of words, he not only captures empathy but also resonates with the audience, drawing laughter from the mundane, profound, and even life's most painful moments.

An open smile, authenticity, and wit are just a few attributes that best describe him in the world of entertainment and Stand-Up comedy. Roberto possesses an extraordinary talent for painting vivid scenarios with his words, connecting the audience to familiar or easily imaginable experiences, a skill possessed by few.

For two decades, he worked in the Once neighborhood, until one fateful day when, almost unwittingly, he enrolled in a Stand-Up course, rekindling his innate "gift inherited from his father," which would later become his calling.

His comedy journey began under the guidance of the renowned comedian Jorge Schussheim. Roberto made appearances on various radio and television programs, and his humor took him on a tour of nearly every corner of Argentina. Beyond borders, his shows led him to perform in Spain, Israel, the United States, and several South American countries.

We had the privilege of hosting him on multiple occasions. His most recent visit to Montevideo took place just under a month ago when he was invited by the Kehilá to participate in the centennial celebrations of the Jewish Community in Uruguay.

Roberto, please share your journey into comedy with us. My journey began in everyday life with friends, where I was always the funny one in the group. This eventually led me to enroll in a Stand-Up course, where I received mentorship and learned to harness my natural comedic instincts.

Could you tell us about your creative process and how you draw inspiration from reality?

To be honest, I don't have a fixed process. Inspiration can strike at any moment, whether on stage, while spending time with friends, or even during the early hours of the morning. When something strikes me as funny, I make sure to jot it down so I won't forget it by morning.

In your opinion, what characterizes "Jewish humor"?

According to my teacher, Jorge Schussheim, Jewish humor is about finding laughter in misfortunes and in ourselves, rather than at the expense of others.

Do you think there are limits to the creation of humor?

As my colleague Guillermo Selci often points out, there are certainly contexts to consider, but I'm not entirely sure if there are strict limits. Humor is something demanded of in ways that we don't ask of TV or the internet.

Personally, I find it difficult to laugh at topics like the Holocaust or serious illnesses, among others. However, I do respect and appreciate those who engage in dark humor, though I tend to avoid doing so in public."

There are certain archetypes such as the "Idishe mame," "the Jewish merchant," or the "bobe" where the personification and exaggeration of certain traits typically do not elicit rejection from the audience. However, when we delve into "the religious" archetype, don't you think we're treading on delicate ground where it becomes easier to provoke sensitivity?

In Judaism, no one is considered sacred; we don't have sacred figures. To me, the Idishe mame and the Rabbi are equal in this regard. I don't aim to please everyone, nor do I engage in aggressive mockery or laughter at things that pertain to my own identity as a Jew. Humor often carries an underlying element of criticism or mockery that already exists in one's thoughts.

To what extent do you believe your scripts reflect this concept and enable you, through wordplay and performance, to express what you might hesitate to convey in a different context?

Humor serves as a convenient escape route from the countless challenging situations we encounter in life. It allows us to express even the most dreadful and complicated feelings, be it to initiate or conclude a relationship. Some people rely solely on gifts or money for self-expression, but for me, humor carries greater strength.

Friedrich Nietzsche once remarked, "Man suffers so profoundly in the world that he has been compelled to invent laughter." What are your thoughts on this perspective?

This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Jewish humor—an unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. Even amidst the unimaginable circumstances of the Warsaw Ghetto, humor, comedy, and theater persevered. It remains the most potent tool to confront pain.

The content of your shows draws from life experiences, which may pose challenges for younger audiences to relate to due to generational differences. If you were to create a show for a younger audience, what would inspire you to make it engaging and relatable?

Every day, the average age of my audience seems to be getting younger. I firmly believe in staying true to who I am as a performer, and I won't venture into subjects that don't resonate with me just to attract a different generation. However, it's fascinating that when I delve into topics like Jewish holiday diets and relationships, I find that younger people can relate, and remarkably, their numbers are growing.

Embracing and humorously addressing your Jewish identity—how does it impact your creative freedom and the depth of meaning in your work?

Absolutely, being Jewish brings me great joy, especially as a Jewish comedian. Embracing self-deprecating humor is not just a performance strategy but a way of life. It's pure self-critique.

How do you connect with non-Jewish audiences? What does a comedy show for such an audience typically involve?

At the core, we are all the same. We all have a spouse who strolls past the TV screen during a crucial goal, and we all have a partner who fiercely clings to the remote control and escapes into their own world. When performing for a non-Jewish audience, I incorporate some unique elements, but humor fundamentally revolves around sharing common human experiences.

Roberto Moldavsky, what lies beyond the spotlight? How does laughter and humor shape your everyday life?

On and off the stage, I remain the same person, though perhaps a bit more irate in everyday life. I pay my taxes, face traffic, engage in arguments, but I strive to find enjoyment wherever I can.