The Zoofest relies on the diversity of genres and artists

The Zoofest will be back in July, with new programming focused on the diversity of artists and humorous genres, with well-known figures such as Jay Du Temple, but also recruits unearthed on the TikTok social network.

Audrey Pilon Topkara
The Press

After two pandemic years, the popular comedy festival returns to its original format, with hour-long solo shows, comedy theater and eclectic sketches.

The Zoofest, piloted this year by an all-female team, makes room for the next generation who have distinguished themselves in comedy evenings and theaters.

“We are proud to have succeeded in getting out of the pandemic”, welcomes Isabelle Desmarais, general manager of Zoofest and OFF-JFL, in an interview with The Press.

In addition, a talent hunt through social networks has made it possible to unearth new faces of the digital succession that is a hit on TikTok.

This 13^e edition will offer more than 150 shows, presented on 12 different stages by more than 250 artists.

Shows for all tastes

Several emerging comedians will shine for the first time at Zoofest, including the 2022 graduates of the National School of Humor Josiane Aubuchon, Sinem Kara, Emile Khoury and Bruno Ly, among others.

Well-established comedians will also tread the boards of the summer event, such as Jay Du Temple, who will present his new show during 12 performances, and Martin Perizzolo, as part of a solo show. The humorist and actor Matthieu Pepper will present his last solo show in running-in.

Among the talents recruited on social networks, we find in particular Charles-Antoine Des Granges, who will present 30 minutes of material accompanied by two comedian friends in the first part.

The Zoofest will produce this year the TikTok Stand Upbringing together a mix of “tiktokeurs” who go on stage for the first time and comedians who have used this same platform to promote their humor.

The show will be hosted by comedian and tiktoker Mégan Brouillard, who will also present another solo show called quackgrass.

Diversity in the spotlight

The show Afrodisiac gives voice to Afro hair in a theatrical staging, starring actress, playwright and improviser of Haitian origin Maryline Chery.

In a completely different genre, the show beer and metal will be led by RV Métal (Geneviève Labelle) and Rock Bière (Mélodie Noël Rousseau), two famous drag kings from the metropolis.

Spectators will be able to attend productions that are resolutely feminist and stem from diversity with shows such as the Womansplaining Show, Biodiversity, the queer show and Quebecers.

English and bilingual shows Battle of the Wits, Color Outside the Lines, Figure it Out with Mike Carrozza, Sewing Hack, Harisson and Gab’s Video Comedy Night and Rag Bag Cabaret are also part of the Zoofest program.

Comedy lovers can purchase tickets and see the detailed Zoofest program on the festival website, which will take place from July 14 to 31.