Friday afternoon, just hours before the first gig kicked off, BrizImprovFest HQ was a hive of activity as lights were positioned and soundtracks were checked.
Accents from around the globe flew around the Metro Arts Studio space as a whole crew of dedicated, passionate improvisers prepared to serve Brisbane up its first serving of festival fun.
There was an undercurrent of tension, however, as mingled among the group were members of both sides of the camp: people who say “impro” and those who prefer “improv”.
“’Impro’ is easier to say,” said Roadie Steve. “I just don’t like saying Vs.”
A profound point, but one that was swiftly rebuffed by NZ artist Steven Youngblood.
“’Impro’ just sounds wanky,” Youngblood asserted. “it’s harder to say because you have to cut the vowel off on its own.”
Performer Simon had more to add to the debate. “I say ‘improv’ more but I prefer ‘impro’. ‘Improv’ to me is American and whenever I say ‘improv’ I get flashes of fucking Drew Carey and American standups talking about themselves and defining what improv is.”
It looks like the jury is out on the terminology issue. although Roadie Steve implied that there would be some intense market research happening. “You’d have to speak to the management committee about that one, though,” he said.
The management committee was unavailable for comment yesterday.
More later. In the meantime, check out the program for tomorrow!
