Deanna Fleysher in Butt Kapinski Interview

Deanna Fleysher in Butt Kapinski Interview

A Film Noir installation fantasy staring the entire audience. Butt Kapinski is funny,filthy, fully-interactive and riddled with shadows, sin, sex, and violence - just like any good murder mystery. Men become whores, women become abusers, as Butt puppeteers the audience on a gender-bending ride - lit only by the angler fish style lamp above the characters head.

Deanna Fleysher, director/co-writer of internationally renowned Red Bastard, smashes through boundaries of gender stereotypes and what it means to be an audience member is this uniquely-staged -murder mystery'. Following extensive seasons in the US and Canada, and a successful Edinburgh Festival Fringe in2015 - Butt Kapinski is set to take Australia by surprise in 2016.

Venue: Tuxedo Cat
Dates: 23 Mar – 17 Apr
Time: 7.15pm
Tickets: $19-$24
Bookings: Tixnofee or http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/

Interview with Deanna Fleysher (Butt Kapinski)

Deanna is a comedy artist, teacher and director. Inspired by clown, bouffon, improv and physical theater, she cultivates comedy that is interactive and brave. She currently tours with her award-winning solo show Butt Kapinski, and teaches workshops at comedy schools across North America, including the PIT in NYC and the Institution in Austin. She is also the director/co-writer of Red Bastard, the internationally-acclaimed bouffon show. She leads the ongoing Naked Comedy Lab in Los Angeles and around the world.


Question: Who is Butt Kapinski?

Deanna Fleysher: A private eye. A force of darkness. A cartoon.


Question: How is Butt Kapinski like Deanna Fleysher?

Deanna Fleysher: We're both teachers/directors.

Question: And, how are they different?

Deanna Fleysher: Deanna is a pretty effective teacher/director, whereas Butt maybe not as much.


Question: What can we expect from the Butt Kapinski show?

Deanna Fleysher: Dramatic light/darkness. Goofiness. Like the Rocky Horror Picture Show but no sequins.


Question: How is the audience involved?

Deanna Fleysher: Gently yet insistently. Nobody is made a fool out of. Everyone gets their hands a little dirty.


Question: Can you talk about the work leading up to the Butt Kapinski show?

Deanna Fleysher: Butt was doing short sets at variety nights for years before having his/her own show. So Butt learned how to do it in increments. As a comedy maker, I've always been interested in how to create a show that is audience-inclusive, not audience-embarrassing. I wanted to make something that is spontaneous and communal.


Question: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Deanna Fleysher: I practice falling.


Question: How long does it take to get into character?

Deanna Fleysher: It's pretty instantaneous, but I also like to take my time.


Question: How does it feel to be making your MICF debut?

Deanna Fleysher: It's fascinating, terrifying, emboldening and cool.


Question: What's next, for Butt Kapinski?

Deanna Fleysher: I've heard rumors about Edinburgh Fringe this summer, but you never know. Butt could be anywhere. No country is safe.


Interview by Brooke Hunter