Comedy Show, With 'Needed' Dialogue On Racism, Comes To Hamptons

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — When KKK literature was found in Hampton Bays last year, James Banks, chair of the Southampton Town Anti-Bias Task Force, knew there was an urgent need for positive community dialogue about ways to combat racism and hate crimes with humor and conversation.

That's why, he said, a new comedy tour, "United We Laugh," presented by Soul Joel Productions, was the perfect choice to bring to the community.

Created by comedian Richie Byrne, hosted by the Southampton Anti-Bias Task Force, and moderated by Banks, the event unfolds on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Hampton Bays Senior Center, located at 25 Ponquogue Ave. in Hampton Bays, NY. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the show cost $20; to purchase, click here or call 908-414-7097.

In a nation fiercely divided, with headlines about heated cases sparking racial tensions and hate crimes an escalating concern, the hilarious show was designed to tackle the angry divide through hope and lead through laughter.

Conceived by Byrne, a comedian who wows with his warm-up on "The Dr. Oz Show", sold-out shows nationwide, and TV and film appearances, the show focuses on giving audiences the chance to share their unique perspectives — to listen and discuss explosive issues in a safe, non-confrontational space, where laughter has eased tensions.

"A major part of this dilemma is our inability to see the alternate perspective. We need to hear another’s point of view in a way that’s more relatable and less volatile," he said. "The only way to accomplish this, one that’s been overlooked, is through humor. Off-the-cuff honesty in humor has been compromised by a spike in sensitivity on all sides to the fear of offending. Humor is the most important tool in American society, and yet, the one component that seems to be lacking when it comes to race relations."

With an eye toward real change, the cutting-edge new comedy show seeks to tackle bigotry by bringing together comics who will stand up to break through and bridge the racial divide with laughter and conversation.

“United We Laugh” is a multi-entertainment, multi-cultural tour, podcast, Facebook Live program and television show designed to heal through hope and lead through laughter.

The tour features Byrne and a diverse mix of three well-known comedians — Mark Demayo, Mike Britt, and Sara Contreras— representing all sides of the heated racial debate. During the first act, the comedians perform, infusing the evening with hilarity and intelligence as they spotlight thought-provoking racial issues.

After a 15-minute intermission, Act II unfolds with all four comics onstage discussing a “hot button topic” about racism in America. The evolving discussions will focus on an array of possible talking points, including current headlines, statistics about hate crimes nationwide, and input from experts on the cry for change.

Audience members are encouraged to ask questions and give their opinions; in a groundbreaking new format, the audience will become a critical component in the show’s diverse canvas.

"America has become too rigid, too serious," Byrne said. "This attitude has made our country dangerous. We need to open up and explore our feelings. Comedy is a unique way to do this. 'United We Laugh' seeks to offer understanding and insight into another person’s racial point of view. By shifting the focus toward 'funny' these issues may not seem as dangerously divisive."

A kick-off "United We Laugh" show, held at the Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant in East Marion recently, was a success, drawing an engaged crowd who spoke for more than an hour on critical issues.

(Lisa Finn)

After the show, Byrne thanked Soul Joel Productions and said he was thrilled that the first audience opened up as much as they did.

"At some points it even got heated but to watch people come together and try to make a difference was really interesting and amazing," he said.

Byrne said he was also happy with the wide range of topics and the passion and hunger for discussion that was brought by the audience.

(Lisa Finn)

"It's pretty obvious that people want to talk about this, want to open up," he said. "And, there was a level of civility that was important and needed as we move forward."

The comics, too, opened up and shared their unique journeys, something that Byrne was impressed by.

After attending an event on racism at Guild Hall in East Hampton a few weeks after United We Laugh and hearing feedback from many who had attended the UWL show, Byrne said he expects the dialogue to continue at future performances. "We have an engaged public eager to join the discourse," he said. "There's so much happening in the world today. We need to have a safe place to discuss the issues."

The comedy was critical, Byrne added. "It made people a little more comfortable. During the audience participation portion, it wasn't as volatile as it could have been because the consensus was, 'Let's get going and fight back against bias.' There was an element of community when the comedians were all performing."

Byrne's premise has long been that in an atmosphere of friendship, it's always easier to discuss issues including racism without rancor, due to the level of trust and respect. That environment is one he hopes to foster in the "United We Laugh" shows, where the mood is reminiscent of a group of friends sharing conversation over dinner. "When you go to a party, you sit, you laugh, and you debate — and that's what happened," Byrne said.

The show, he added, is important now more than ever. "Comedy can help defuse the anger and leave it at the door — making the show a safe place to discuss the issues. At this juncture in society, this show is necessary," he said. "The goal is to make people laugh and discuss bias without boundaries."