AWM’s Faith Is Funny

by Donald G. Evans

The American Writers Museum is always busy. You could be relatively fulfilled and happy doing nothing else but going to AWM’s museum exhibits and programs. Again, though, we have to choose. I chose to go to the Studebaker Theatre (Fine Arts Building) on Monday, June 23, for the “Faith is Funny” discussion. Peter Sagal moderated the panel. You know about him: funny, smart, connected. The “Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!” host. He didn’t disappoint. He coaxed panelists Hari Kondabolu, Negin Farsad, and Kate Sidley into ruminations about their spirituality and anecdotes about their faith. All three are professional comedy writers. Sidley writes for The Late Show with Stephen Cobert, while Kondabolu (The Problem with Apu) and Farsad (The Muslims Are Coming!) perform stand-up (among other things).

Sagal started out by asking each of the three to tell a joke about their faith; all three got laughs. Mostly, the panelists (and host) admitted to dubious relationships with their faith, but also a certain attachment. They all agreed that religion (or faith, or spirituality, however you want to define it) holds potential humor, while at the same time all preferred not to make mockery out of anybody’s beliefs. The discussion was sometimes stiff, especially at the start, but the panel found its rhythm and also struck a balance between the underlying seriousness of the topic and their natural bent toward humor. The common trait of very funniy people (especially those who manage to make a profession out of it) is piercing intelligence. I found it fascinating to hear each of these gifted comedy writers give thoughtful responses to the topic at hand, and also articulate the craft of turning it into humor.

The Studebaker Theatre is an Arts Deco splendor, and the Fine Arts Building is bustling with activity, even in the middle of the week. Again, I like finding an excuse to get inside the Fine Arts Building rather than wandering around like a lost tourist. This discussion was part of the AWM's special exhibit called, "American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture." The physical exhibit--at the museum at 180 N. Michigan Avenue--doesn't open until November of this year, but AWM has already done several of these programs and will do a bunch more. 

Donald G. Evans is the author of a novel and a short story collection, as well as editor of two Chicago anthologies. He is the Founding Executive Director of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.