Jacqueline Novak Is Giving Audiences “Everything She’s Got”
Feb 13, 2024
auto_awesome
Comedian Jacqueline Novak discusses her successful comedy special, Get on Your Knees, which boldly explores the intricacies of sex and power. She dives into the complexities of the penis and the impact of cancel culture on comedians. Novak's unique style focuses on embarrassment instead of shame, while also commenting on male fragility and the challenges faced by artists.
Jacqueline Novak's comedy special 'Get on Your Knees' is a unique exploration of shame, embarrassment, and the struggles of understanding one's own desires.
Novak's comedic style challenges traditional structures and expectations, pushing the boundaries of comedy by weaving together personal anecdotes, observations on sex and gender, and philosophical ponderings.
Deep dives
Jacqueline Novak's comedy special 'Get on Your Knees'
Jacqueline Novak's comedy special 'Get on Your Knees' is a unique and thought-provoking performance that explores sex, power dynamics, and the absurdities of anatomy. Unlike traditional stand-up comedy, Novak's show is a fast-paced rant filled with illusions, sly jokes, and political pot shots. The narrative core of the show revolves around the theme of oral sex, but Novak's performance goes beyond raunchiness and delves into deeper themes of shame, embarrassment, and the struggles of understanding ones' own desires. With a relentless energy and an impressive command of language, Novak delivers a show that is both funny and original, leaving audiences with plenty to ponder long after the laughter subsides.
Novak's unique comedic style and influences
Jacqueline Novak's comedic style stands out for its speed and density of material. In her show, she takes audiences on a whirlwind journey through various topics and ideas, weaving together personal anecdotes, observations on sex and gender, and philosophical ponderings. Novak's influences range from comedians like Chris Rock, who inspired her to bring a rabbit-like enthusiasm to the stage, to classic plays like 'Lysistrata' by Aristophanes. Novak's show is a testament to her desire to be understood, and she pushes the boundaries of comedy by challenging traditional comedic structures and expectations.
The exploration of embarrassment and artistic freedom
One of the key themes in Novak's comedy special is the exploration of embarrassment as opposed to shame. Novak has a keen ear for embarrassment and believes that identifying and talking about it is crucial for her comedic style. She seeks to illuminate the choices we make in language and metaphor unconsciously, questioning societal expectations and norms. Embracing her own vulnerabilities and struggles, Novak uses her neurotic tendencies and insecurities to craft a distinctive comedic style that is authentic and deeply personal. She dismisses the notion that cancel culture limits artistic freedom, emphasizing that as artists, they are not owed comfort and should embrace the challenges that come with the territory.
The comedian Jacqueline Novak wasn’t well known before her Netflix début “Get on Your Knees.” The show was a big swing in her career, an ambitious attempt to establish her singular voice, and it worked. A fast-paced and raucous examination of her personal journey with oral sex, Novak tosses out so many tangents—philosophical, psychological, anatomical, linguistic—that you’re liable to miss many of her allusions. Novak knows that her hectic delivery is an acquired taste. “We’ve got to get through this, because I’ve got a lot to say,” she tells David Remnick. Although she relentlessly probes the power dynamics between men and women, she doesn’t “want to come out here and say ‘male fragility.’ I’m really not trying to do that. But it happens, sort of.” The show could make a lot of people uncomfortable, but she’s not worried about cancellation, as many male comedians have been. “Choosing to make art of any kind is sort of this self-appointment. No one’s asking you to do it. So it’s sort of weird for me to get into a mind-set as though you're owed any comfort.”
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode