Planet Berlin: A good laugh
Indian humor is based on schadenfreude, says Sanjay Shihora, who founded the legendary Comedyclub Kookaburra in a former bank in Prenzlauer Berg in 2002.
Unsafe origins
When Sanjay Shihora opened the comedy club with his wife, Svenja, in 2002, he wanted to call the venue the Comedy Tresor (Safe), as it was located in a former bank. However, the idea was not met with enthusiasm by the famous techno club, Tresor, which threatened to sue. Since then, the Australian bird the kookaburra, known for its distinctive laugh, is both the club name and emblem.
Open stage
Around 100 guests pack into the Kookaburra to cheer on amateurs during the Open Stage night on Sundays. Here, young upcomers try out their evolving repertoire alongside professional comics who work out new routines. In addition, the comedy institution hosts an English Comedy Night, Comedy Sportz, Laugh Olympics, Comedy Fight Night and Bollywood in Berlin, among many other themed events.
The laughing mascot
The kookaburra is an Australian bird whose early morning song sounds like laughter. The purpose of his laughter, according to legend, is to wake people so they don't miss the sunrise. It's also said that fate will punish those who insult the bird, which in Germany is also known by the name "Lachender Hans" (Laughing Hans).
Comic legends
Comedians Loriot and Heinz Erhardt, two grand masters of German humor, watch over the Comedy Club. Well-known contemporary German comedians including Carolin Kebekus, Fil, Eckart von Hirschhausen and Kurt Krömer appear regularly, performing not just stand-up, but also musical comedy and cabaret.