60 Seconds With… Bold and Daring Gwen of ‘Sad Girl Songs: A Comedy Show’

Briefly introduce yourself/your company…
Gwen Coburn is a Comedian, Satire Writer, and Grown-Up Horse Girl based in Boston. She often writes about feminism and mental health through short humor and theatrical works. Recently, her writing has been making the rounds on the internet and print, in places like McSweeney’s, Reductress, and Modern Love. When she’s not writing, she can be found whispering secrets to her mare Stella. Gwen’s pieces have been called “genuinely upsetting” which she genuinely loves.

What is it that makes your work/company unique
Sad Girl Songs is a comedy show, and it’s a show about comedy. Using the medium I love, jokes and songs, I tell my story of when #YesAnd becomes #MeToo. The story isn’t a unique one, in fact it’s a story we’ve been telling for centuries; but this one ends differently. Along the way, there will be laughs, tears, and an album of straight-up bangers.

What kind of experience do you hope audiences will have during your show?
I hope audiences will laugh until they cry, cry until they laugh, or at least one of those things. Laughter is a bonding experience, and I hope this uncomfortable, silly, heartfelt show creates a space for audiences to laugh together.

Without spoilers, tell us what you think audiences will remember most about your show?
The most memorable part of the show has to be the songs, which include “Thank You For Not Murdering Me” and “The Clit Song.” No spoilers, but one song was inspired by an audience member, who saw the show and sent me a screenshot from her personal Tinder.

What do you think is the best thing about the Fringe?
My favorite part of Fringing is getting to see a myriad of shows! Each one has a different take on the bold spirit of Fringe theater (or as you say in Canada, theatre)

What is the most important thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?
I want audiences to know that they have power. When we choose whose stories we listen to, whose jokes we give stage time, and who gets to feel safe in our theaters, we impact real people in real time.