Batsu means “punishment” in Japanese. That will come as no surprise to anyone who has witnessed BATSU! in which comedians compete to avoid punishment. How hard will they try to avoid punishment? Well, punishments dished out can include but are not limited to:
- Being shot with a paintball gun
- Electrical shocks
- Plunging a hand into a bowl of mousetraps
- Whipping
- Eating something not considered food
- A giant egg-smashing chicken
This may not sound like something that’s going to add up to comedy, but the popularity of BATSU! suggests otherwise. BATSU! has long-term residencies in New York and Chicago and has proven popular in London and other cities.
BATSU! features four comedians (or “comic warriors”) who will be presented challenges that they must meet lest punishments be administered. Challenges and punishments are meant to be as absurd as possible, and sometimes it’s hard to tell one from the other.
One of the game’s signature challenges is the “no laughing” game, where a player watches as ridiculous scenarios are acted out but must repress laughter. If a giggle or guffaw gets through, the player is subjected to punishment.
So how will the transgressor be punished? Wearing embarrassing costumes is one. Eating something repulsive is another. Then there are the physical punishments: electrical shocks, slaps to the face, fingers in mouse traps, being shot with paintballs, being whipped by someone in a leather corset.
(This is as good a place as any to point out that the humor in BATSU! skews non-family friendly. One reviewer called it both “sexy” and “gross,” which should tell you something. It may be immature but it’s not for kids: 18 and older only, please.)
There also is the added component of audience participation. If any of you 18 and older want to unleash your inner comic warrior, you’re just a signed waiver away from getting in touch with your primal comic instincts. You may want to watch a few punishments first, though.
BATSU! will be bringing its madness to Jaeb Theater March 3-8. For tickets or more info, click here or call (813) 229-7827. And keep your eyes peeled for any giant egg-smashing chickens. You don’t want them going back to the wild.