Meet Maarten, the comedian whose style can be described in three terrifying words: Public Humiliation.
Maarten finds his comedic muse not in classic setups, but in the universal modern anxiety of technology malfunctioning and wasting people’s time. A true student of the craft, he credits the boundless energy of Jim Carrey and Robin Williams as influences, while currently appreciating the work of comics like Dan Licata and Kate Berlant.
From honing his material at the legendary LMG on Main Street to his current ritual of pacing and single-beer drinking before hitting the stage, Maarten is committed to the bit—sometimes literally. Case in point: the time he injured a rib after an audience member took his Heimlich maneuver bit a little too seriously!
How would you describe your comedy style?
Public humiliation.
Who are some of your influences?
Technology malfunctioning and wasting people’s time.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Jim Carrey and Robin Williams
Who is your favourite comedian now?
People I like right now are Dan Licata, Kate Berlant, Chris Locke and Tom Henry.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Pacing, drinking a single beer, and grabbing other comedians by the shoulders and saying, “I’m so scared.”
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The old LMG on Main Street. Lil hole in the wall where I cut my teeth. The best.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
This probably isn’t my favourite, but most recently I pretended to choke on stage and got an audience member to perform the Heimlich on me. Unfortunatel,y the audience member went way too hard and caused me a rib injury. Come to think of it, that might be my least favourite thing I’ve done.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Live shows!
Tell us a joke about your city.
The other day, I saw someone bring their bike onto the skytrain. It’s like — pick a mode of transportation, you know what I’m saying?
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Finishing up a solo feature film called Passion Project. No idea when it’ll be out.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Amar Singh. Best jokes in the game.
