Moving and Settling in New York, Pandji Pragiwaksono Performs Stand Up Only in Small Cafes

Kapanlagi.com - Pandji Pragiwaksono has been a comedian for over a decade. But it turns out that this 43-year-old man is not satisfied with just a career in the homeland, so he spread his wings to the United States as a comedian.

In fact, to prove his seriousness, Pandji invited his family to settle in New York. When met in the Kebayoran Baru area, South Jakarta recently, Pandji said that stand-up comedy in the United States, especially in New York, is much more mature.

1. Quite Difficult

Nevertheless, he admits that breaking into the stand-up comedy industry in America is quite difficult.

“The industry is much more advanced because stand-up comedy art was born in New York. The first Comedy Club was there, and famous stand-up comedians are also there,” said Pandji Pragiwaksono.

“So, everything is more mature, but the competition is also tougher. Maybe for me, I'm just happy to be able to build a career in the place where comedy was born. The important thing is that I am the only Indonesian there,” he continued.

2. Starting Career Again

Kapanlagi/Budy Santoso

Although Pandji is already known in Indonesia, he admits that he has to start his career from scratch as a comedian in New York. In fact, Pandji doesn't mind when he can only perform at cafes and small bars there.

Not only that, Pandji also mentioned that there are several things he has to change when performing there. Besides the language issue, cultural differences become the reason for him to think harder in selecting the material to be presented.

“First, it's complicated in terms of language. My English is not that bad, but I still have to think before speaking. It's not just about speaking in a foreign language, it's still about thinking. But the most challenging part is adapting the joke style that people in New York prefer. In Indonesia, I tell a lot of stories, long ones with punchlines. But there, they want it to be quick. Because they are used to watching stand-up, so they sit down, no need for small talk, they ask, 'Where's the funny part?'” he said.

3. Trying Hard

Although it is not easy for him, Pandji said he will continue to try hard to succeed in New York. Moreover, his wife, who has also moved with him, provides full support for his choice.

“But at that time, I was hesitant, like feeling why am I here (New York), then my wife reminded me, 'You must remember that I and our children have sacrificed for you. You can't do it halfway. We have sacrificed and cannot fail'. I think she's right,” he concluded.

(kpl/irf/frs)