I had Human Nakamura-san and Dr. Heinrich-san watch my material
On July 7th, I had Human Nakamura-san and Dr. Heinrich-san watch my material at ZAZA.
At ZAZA HOUSE, there is a sub-stage to the left of the audience, and I had the three of them sit there to watch my material.
When I thought about doing this live show, Human Nakamura-san and Dr. Heinrich-san were the first seniors who came to mind that I wanted to watch it. That is because, to me, Human Nakamura-san and Dr. Heinrich-san are people I have always admired. Having people who were so incredibly sharp and edgy (that was my interpretation at the time) watch my material, and not from the wings, but right there on stage... the excitement I felt when I decided to do this show was immense.
It started a different kind of engine than a solo live show. Rather than creating a flow for the show, I just didn't want to do anything unfunny. lol
In the time leading up to this mini-solo show, I took time off from all my part-time jobs to prepare.
Then the show started, and during the first manzai... there were a few punchlines, and just as I thought, (Oh no, this is bad, is it not getting many laughs? What's going on? Oh no, the legends are to my right, oh no, I'm getting incredibly nervous), Hanatani-san made an unbelievable slip of the tongue!! No, you really were nervous, weren't you!! He said it was because a frog he keeps in his mouth croaked, but I really understood the feeling of slipping up. That was a race to see who would slip up first. Moreover, whenever I notice Hanatani-san is nervous, I usually (I think) become calm, but I'm pretty sure I got nervous and was swallowed up by it too. Honestly, I don't have much memory of the first manzai. Just that I was nervous! It was terrifying.
However, for the second, third, and fourth sketches, once I got into the sketches, I didn't feel as nervous. I guess it might be really difficult to perform during manzai. Whether it's because my words are truly my own words, or just because I'm not used to it, or a matter of confidence... honestly, I don't know.
There was something like a sketch battler before, but if there were a manzai battler, manzai performers might find it even harder. No, maybe it's the sub-stage. Having comedians on the sub-stage... and ones I respect, at that...
In other words, a manzai battler with admired senior comedians on the sub-stage might be the most nerve-wracking event! It was an event I would love for other comedians to try as well...
I am so glad I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Afterward, they even praised me on Twitter, which really boosted my confidence! They are such kind seniors, and I have nothing but gratitude for the three of them m(__)m The version of me that used to go watch only battle live shows at the theater back then, or going even further back, the me who went to watch Kitai-Han at Wahha Kamigata 5F, probably never imagined I would be able to do a show like this in the future. Actually, I couldn't have even predicted that the 5F would eventually become 5UP Yoshimoto and then the Yoshimoto Manzai Theater.
The sketch award race is coming up soon! So, on July 15th, there is a stage called 'The Sketch Award Race is Coming Soon'!! Starting at 8:00 PM!!
I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of sketches will be performed. Please come and watch it!!!! There will also be a stream!!!!