Comedienne Shamaine Othman on Finding the Funny in Everyday Life

Shamaine Othman on challenging stereotypes and finding the 'funny' in everyday life ahead of her first solo stand-up comedy special, 'Oh No She Didn’t!'

For 10 years, Shamaine Othman has been one of the most recognisable names in the Malaysian comedy scene. The daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Othman Hafsham, Shamaine grew up spending a lot of time on the set of the sitcoms her father produced. A woman of many talents, she’s also made a name for herself as a writer, actor, producer and director with the success of TV shows like the award-winning Projek Disko Baldi and short films Cuak, KL24: Zombies and Love Story.

“I’ve been involved in the arts industry for as long as I can remember,” she says. “I’ve written shows on many genres, from thriller and horror to biographies, but comedy will always have a special place in my heart.”

It’s only fitting that the 39-year-old creative has finally got around to her first solo stand-up comedy show on October 12, 2022, titled Oh No She Didn’t! at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre. She has certainly come a long way from those heady open mic nights, performing with improv troupe, AIIA Improv, and the occasional offhand remarks questioning if women can actually be funny (spoiler alert: they can).

This year, Shamaine brings her trademark cheeky humour and wit centre stage in a one night-only special celebrating the life and struggles of being a single woman in Malaysia.

Above Photo: Courtesy of Shamaine Othman

What are you most excited about for Oh No She Didn't'!?

I've been doing comedy for 10 years but I didn't focus on it enough because I was busy with other work like writing and producing. My peers kept telling me that I should do an hour-long special, but I've been putting it off for years. After the lockdown, I said "That's it, no more putting it off!"

Typically I deal with clients, network executives, and censorship boards when I write, so a lot of what I put out there is never 100 per cent me because it's gone through changes. With stand-up comedy, I have full creative control.

What's your biggest pet peeve with how audiences view female stand-up comics?

People have this preconceived notion that women are not funny. So there's this added pressure for us and we have to work harder. The way to overcome this is to do a good, funny show, and to keep going. Just keep going.

Above Photo: Courtesy of Shamaine Othman

You've talked often about using comedy to highlight women's issues in Malaysia. What issues will you be dealing with in your new show?

This time, I'm excited to talk about celebrating being a single, independent woman. I'll be touching on the expectation of women to get married while celebrating what it means to be a single woman. It will cover how the world has changed and how women should no longer feel pressured to get married.

As a comedienne, how do you navigate around sensitive topics in Malaysia?

Stand-up comedians are sort of truth-tellers. We comment on what's going on around us. Stand-up comedy is a confronting format that not everyone can take. I think we still have the freedom to say what we want to, as long as we keep it within the comedy clubs and open mic nights.

In the social media age, it's easy for things to go viral. But my audience knows that if you want to hear Shamaine Othman and all her material, you just have to come to a comedy club. In all my 10 years of comedy, I've only put out maybe one video clip online because I definitely can't put everything else. If I did, I'd probably get arrested (laughs).

Above Photo: Courtesy of Shamaine Othman

Who do you look up to most?

I respect Tina Fey. She was the first female head writer on Saturday Night Live. Her film Mean Girls is an amazingly well-written film. I like her because I also do improv comedy, which she does. It's really hard, being a woman in comedy because it's such a male-dominated industry, so I respect her for that.

I would also say I look up to my father. He came from nothing, built his career, and produced one of the longest-running sitcoms (Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu). He's the one who always reminded me, "You are not Malay, you are Malaysian".

What makes you laugh?

I guess... when people are being stupid? (laughs) I find the humour in those very silly, stupid things that happen in life. I like to see the fun in things and have a sense of play. I've always said I don't date funny guys, but I'll date guys who make me laugh. There's a difference!

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Topics

Shamaine Othman Comedian Stand-up comedy female comedian Comedy Central

Tatler Asia

"Women Aren't Funny" and More Candid Quips From Stand-Up Comedienne Shamaine Othman