Interview with Jessica Aszkenasy

Jessica Aszkenasy returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with TITCLOWN: daddy's little girl, a bold new clown show blending feminism, heartbreak, absurdity and fearless comedy. Following the success of her critically acclaimed Fringe debut, Jessica once again performs as her outrageous alter ego TITCLOWN, exploring modern dating, femininity, artistic independence and the contradictions women are increasingly expected to navigate. Ahead of the Fringe, Jessica discusses the inspiration behind the show, clowning, OnlyFans, female rage, and why comedy can be the perfect way to tackle difficult conversations.

What inspired you to bring TITCLOWN back to the Edinburgh Fringe with an entirely new show?

I felt like last year I was just getting started! By the end of the Fringe I felt like I had a far better grasp of what it was to make a show than at the start. I was also getting used to performing with so much audio and video. TITCLOWN was my first show. This time I feel a lot more confident. I also still felt like I had lots left to say.

How has TITCLOWN evolved since audiences first met the character last year?

She’s a lot less angry, ha ha. Well, she’s still pretty angry, but she’s softened a bit. She’s a bit less defiant and she’s ready to let the audience in a little more. This show is a bit more vulnerable than the last show, though it is still totally absurd.

Why did clowning feel like the right medium to explore subjects such as love, disappointment and feminism?

Because we simply don’t have enough women doing mad shit on stage lol. The way I use my body is a huge part of my work. Clowning is just such a fun medium to be gross and mischievous with. It also allows you to flip quite quickly through different states and emotions. When you’re exploring topics that can get quite complicated, clowning can help you keep it silly and simple.

Daddy plays a central role in the production. What does that character represent to you?

He represents a few things. The male gaze we’re all conditioned to internalise, paternal love, men in general… He’s the sort of Patriarch overlord. But funnily enough, when I look at him, I don’t actually see my own dad, although I’m sure on a subconscious level there’s some of that in there too.

How do you balance deeply personal material with comedy?

I really chafe with the vulnerability that is expected of women on stage. I’m not down with the “bare your insides” approach at all. My insides are mine, thank you very much. However, I do want my shows to be personal and have a level of vulnerability in there that feels appropriate. When I’m making a bit. I sort of start from a feeling that comes from a very real place or event and play with how to absurdify it. My work

is autobiographical, but almost all of the actual details are left out.

What do you hope audiences take away from the show beyond the laughter?

I guess how much gender politics play out in their own relationships. Whether they actually feel heard and seen in their relationships. So many people stay in really unhappy relationships because they’re

scared of being alone, or don’t even realise how unhappy they actually are. They’ve just gotten used to baseline unhappiness. I would love if the show might make people think about how happy their relationships actually make them.

How do you think conversations around misogyny and women's safety have changed the way people approach relationships?

I think heterosexual women are slowly starting to wake up to how much emotional labour they’re providing vs what they’re actually getting back. I think heterosexual men are also starting to realise where they might be falling short emotionally. Some men are also starting to clock how much more dangerous it is for us to exist in the world and have a little more empathy. But I think most of us are still locked into

societal expectations of what a life should look like, and aren’t quite ready to be honest with ourselves about what it is we really want.

The show suggests female rage and hope can coexist. Why was that an important idea to explore?

Because, to be honest, only exploring rage feels quite bleak. I don’t want to live in a world where men are forever falling short. And I also don’t think men want to fall short either. I think men want emotionally

fulfilling relationships just as much as women do. I don’t want men to watch my show and leave on “women hate us”. I don’t think that’s useful for anyone.

You've spoken openly about working on OnlyFans alongside your theatre career. How has that shaped you as an artist?

It’s made me quite fearless and quite stubborn I think. When I’m making something, I’m not thinking “will the comedy industry like this” because they aren’t paying my bills. I can do whatever the fuck I want. It means that creatively speaking, I can stick to my guns. It’s also made me very body confident and unafraid

of what people think of what I do on stage. I get tons of comments telling me I’m ugly, or past it, or fat, or all of the above. It’s given me a very thick skin.

Clowning often asks performers to embrace vulnerability. What have you learned about yourself through creating TITCLOWN?

That whatever I’m feeling in my personal life is going to come out on stage, somehow. I was really scared of diving into my personal life as creative fuel, but I’m learning that creating through my inner life really sets me on fire (in a good way). It sounds basic, but I’m deeply uncomfortable with oversharing. Being vulnerable on stage is something I’ve really had to learn.

Finally, what are you most excited for audiences to experience when they see TITCLOWN: daddy's little girl at this year's Edinburgh Fringe?

I can’t tell you that without giving the show away! I’m excited for them to experience the joyful chaos I’ve created. That’s all I’ll say for now…

A huge thank you to Jessica Aszkenasy for taking the time to speak with The Theatre Reviewer. TITCLOWN: daddy's little girl plays at Summerhall – Red Lecture Theatre from 6th–31st August (excluding 17th & 24th August) as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Tickets and further information are available via: https://festival.summerhallarts.co.uk/events/titclown-daddys-little-girl/