She So Funny

​

 

 

 

 

 

Three poems of mine, "Women Do Tell," "El Esposo," and "Private Encounter at an Open Mic," were included in The Riverside Poetry Anthology, Volume 14, flabbergasted press, NY, NY.  Many other poets I enjoy are in there too.  The editors for this edition are Fred Simpson, Barbara Newsome, and Anthony Moscini.  This anthology is available on Amazon.

​

On Saturday, October 4, 2014, I participated in the anthology poetry reading at the library on 65th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.  That's when it became so evident to me that two of my three poems were sexual, and we were in a well lit library.  I felt a little embarrassed but nothing that couldn't be overcome.  It turned out that after the reading, I received so many comments of appreciation.  One woman appreciated that I allow myself to be vulnerable up there behind the mic.  A man thanked me for being charming.  One of the editors told me I have a unique voice, and he thanked me for contributing to the anthology. 

I appreciate being appreciated.  I also think that everyone has a unique voice if no one is trying to sound like anyone else.  I am typically feeling vulnerable, and I am glad some find it all charming.

Two readers, Fred Simpson and Patrick Hammer, besides reading their own work, also read a poem by Margery Hauser, a wonderful poet who couldn't be there.  Margery's work is also in the anthology.

Then we went to the publishing party.  Lots of food, drink, and mingling. 

​

In many ways, I am from such a different world than most of those folks that I feel like a tourist when on their land.  Yet, I'm also glad that our lands touch sometimes for good purposes and not just for an earthquake. 

Another exciting event coming up that I was invited to be a part of and welcome you to attend:

NYC Parks Present a Free Preview Screening of

 

MAKERS

Women in Comedy Women in Comedy tracks the rise of women in the world of comedy, from the “dangerous” comedy of 70s sitcoms like Maude to the groundbreaking women of the 1980s American comedy club boom and building to today’s multifaceted landscape. Contemporary comics talk about where women started in this competitive, male-dominated profession and where they are determined to go.

 

October 16, 2014 at 11:00am-12:30pm

 

Poe Park Visitor Center

2640 Grand Concourse

New York, NY  10458

Film Screening Followed by a stand-up comedy routine by Mindy Matijasevic, a Bronx native, mom, Adult-Ed teacher, ex!-wife, poet, actress, and comic. Mindy will talk about her early experience of stepping into the stand-up comedy waters, and what she believes are still barriers to it being woman-friendly. 

Event is Free, but RSVP Requested:  lucy.aponte@parks.nyc.gov

Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 12:00 AM | Labels: Fred Simpson, MAKERS, Margery Hauser, Mindy Matijasevic, Patrick Hammer, poetry, Riverside Poetry Anthology, Women in Comedy | 0 comments | Email This BlogThis! Share to X Share to Facebook |

 

 

In the midst of a very busy existence, I am proud to say I was asked to perform some stand-up and speak on some of my experiences in the male-dominated stand-up comedy arena at a screening of a documentary on women in comedy.  It will take place on October 16th. 

About a decade ago, I was cast along with several other women to perform in a skit.  We found the skit outdated and we rewrote it.  The producers loved what we did.  Unfortunately, the producers had a falling out with each other and the performance never happened.  However, one of the other actresses, Lucy, and I stayed in touch and occasionally saw each other at Bronx events and on the local news channel.  We are also Facebook connected.  She's now working in a creative position for the Parks Department.  Someone connected her with PBS where this is in the works.

http://www.pbs.org/makers/home/

From the battlefield to the comedy club, MAKERS delves into the advances women have made in the last half-century.  One entire episode will be on women in comedy. 

Lucy was asked to coordinate a screening of the Women in Comedy episode, and she thought of me when she wanted someone live to speak to her audience and do some stand-up.  She also read my blog http://www.shesofunny.org/2014/09/we-werent-referred-to-as-garden-tools.html about finally feeling good at a comedy open mic, and not just finding it tolerable.  She loved it.

I think what makes me feel so good about this is Lucy thought of me based on who I really am, not based on some insincere idea of "being nice" and not complaining about the disrespect, which is the kind of stuffing it generally expected of female people.  When I first entered this world of stand-up, that was the message I received repeatedly.  Don't upset the guys.  It always reminded me of don't fight back and make the rapist angry.  As Lisa Sliwa (of the Guardian Angels) once said, "They already are.  Look at what they are doing." 

 

​In the same vein, people who use "bitch" as a synonym for "woman" are already upset.  Some female comics (the ones who join the patriarchal mindset and call other women whores, etc.) are afraid of being associated with me for fear we'll scare away the morons with our intelligence.  One woman's fear is another woman's paradise.  More and more I conclude that those who keep their distance, should, so there will be room for those who really should come close to take my hand.  We have the power to change the landscape if we dare acknowledge and embrace that power.  The least I can do on this journey is leave some of my footprints. 

 

​If I'm just stepping in those size 11 men's footprints, no one will even know I was here.

It's ironic in a way because some of my biggest comedy fans are men.  They admire my ovaries, but they call them "balls."​

Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 12:00 AM | Labels: balls, footprints, Lisa Sliwa, MAKERS, Mindy Matijasevic, ovaries, Women in Comedy | 2 comments | Email This BlogThis! Share to X Share to Facebook |