The host of Beer and Skits on Friday, May 31, Ace Burpee, made it very clear that the content of the show was not to be made public.
Poster for Mock Parliament 1914
Therefore, this is not a review.
Beer and Skits is political satire or constructive social criticism. It is current, biting, funny and in its most useful form, used for social or political change. Aware Winnipeggers have enjoyed satire from the days of Nellie McClung‘s Mock Parliament in 1914 to Beer and Skits in 2013.
Those being satirized have not always considered the skits as funny as the audience but that is the fun part. This year the skits went from vaguely amusing to knee-slapping hilarity. The audience was encouraged to yell out “encore” at any time they were particularly delighted. The actors would then repeat the lines, or song, for them. Who needs instant replay!
The need for secrecy is evident as the actors need to preserve their lives in the ‘real world’. Beer and Skits is a safe house for them.
It is important to remember that satire can come from a place of anger, frustration and disbelief so before you cry, look at your problem — it just might be laughable — and mark off your calendar for next year`s Beer and Skits.
Winnipeg’s Beer + Skits has a long, rich history.
From Beer + Skits 2012
