SXSW Session Shines Comedic Light on Breaking Barriers in Comedy | Shalom Austin

SXSW Session Shines Comedic Light on Breaking Barriers in Comedy

The Jewish Outlook

Jun 29, 2023

Left to right: Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Abbi Jacobson, Sam Jay, Alison Moore at Esther’s Follies at their SXSW session “Funny Thing About Breaking Up the Boys Club” on March 11, 2023. Credit: Wendy Goodman

By Wendy Goodman

On March 11, Jewish comedian, writer and actress Abbi Jacobson sat down with “Bust Down” co-creator and star Sam Jay for a SXSW talk about the challenges of breaking barriers in the comedy industry and the importance of dismantling the boys club mentality, moderated by Alison Moore of Comic Relief US.

Jacobson is best known for her work on the TV series Broad City and recently as co-creator and star of “A League of Their Own.” The talk, titled “Funny Thing About Breaking Up the Boys Club,” began with a conversation about how depicting personal experiences in art builds connections with people. “When I was doing Broad City, it was so much about our experiences being alive, being in New York, being a woman, being Jewish, trying to have fun, friendship… I think I learned through that, and the specificity of my experience is all I have,” said Jacobson.

Jay agreed, “The responsibility, I think, is authenticity, to show up to these spaces being your authentic self even if it’s uncomfortable, even if it makes people uncomfortable. Tell your authentic stories.” Jay stressed the importance of redefining norms, embracing diverse perspectives and challenging preconceived notions. “If you are a woman or a man being ostracized by society in any way, it is your job to disrupt whatever is going on in that space,” said Jay.

Jacobson emphasized the significance of addressing systemic issues by drawing on her personal journey saying, “When someone says, ‘I saw myself in this story or in this character, and I feel better and less weird for being who I am,’ that’s my goal.”

The conversation concluded with sharp comedic insights underscoring the importance of breaking barriers, promoting inclusivity and diverse voices. “I believe in the power of storytelling in changing how people look at themselves and at the rest of the experiences. I think that really can be impactful,” said Jacobson.  The session opened with a comedic performance by Joyelle Nicole Johnson who earned laughs and cheers from the audience.

Latest Posts

Community Members Make an Impact With Tax-Smart Giving Strategies  

Community Members Make an Impact With Tax-Smart Giving Strategies  

Shalom Austin Legacy Donor Marianne Rochelle. Courtesy: Marianne Rochelle  Shalom Austin Board Chair Seth Halpern. Courtesy: Seth Halpern  As the end of the calendar year approaches, this is a time many people focus on charitable giving. While most people reach for...

Shalom Austin Observes Suicide Prevention Month  

Shalom Austin Observes Suicide Prevention Month  

Actors performing in the play "Right Before I Go" at the Georgetown Palace Theater. Credit: Jon Kniss By Amanda Mills    (CONTENT ADVISORY - Mentions of suicide.)  September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to acknowledge all who have died by suicide or...

Team Austin Shines at 2024 JCC Maccabi Games in Houston 

Team Austin athletes competing at the 2024 Maccabi Games in Houston, Texas. Credit: Jolie Estes  By Mark Pattis and Thy Hooks  This summer’s JCC Maccabi Games in Houston, TX, brought together 1,500 Jewish teens from across the globe for a week-long Olympic style teen...