Fernando Laughs Festival (Fernando se ríe Festival) is just around the corner! The sequel to last year’s successful edition promises to deliver as much laughter and fun on May 23 and 24, from 9 PM. With the hottest names in the stand up scene of Asunción at the Teatro Municipal de Fernando de la Mora.
Stand up comedy is getting traction in Paraguay, especially in Asunción. “Fernando se Ríe was born out of the need to expand the stand up audience, which, until recently, was mostly concentrated in the Asunción area”, explains Paula Medina from Viru Productions. The young company behind the festival is formed by herself, Marcela Achinelli, Juan José Romero, and Natalia Tessari.
Expansion of Fernando se Ríe
Last year the company produced a successful first edition of Fernando se Ríe, which gathered more than 400 people in May. In November followed the powerful presentation of Ni Brujas ni Santas (Nor Witches, Nor Saints), a sold-out show featuring exclusively women.
Viru Productions mostly stages shows in Asunción, and will keep doing so, but the four team members saw an opportunity to take the format to other cities in the metropolitan area, such as Fernando de la Mora, as a viable option for local entertainment.
Medina: “We wanted more people to know the experience of a live stand up comedy show, the unique experience of laughing, of identifying with the stories, and spending the night differently. Last year’s edition was a remarkable one, especially, because it was our first big production as an emerging production company.”
“Laugh to connect and to heal”
Away from numbers, what the team considers as a measure of success, is seeing people laugh, enjoy, and forgetting their daily worries for a while. “We believe that laughter is one of the best tools to heal, connect and transform.”
This May, Viru Productions expects to surpass last year’s edition. “Not just in attendance, but on impact and reach.”
With growth, the team will be able to stage more shows in more cities. This year, attendants will have the opportunity to buy food, beverages, jewellery, and more from local businesses during the festival. “It won’t be just a show. It will be a big celebration.”
Tickets are sold through www.ticketea.com.py and for more information follow Viru Productions on Instagram.
May has been a vibrant cultural month so far, featuring, among other events, a performance of Jha Che Retã and Guarania Purahéi Asy.
