Introducing US based stand-up comedian, actor, writer & director Avital Ash, who has already amassed over 100 million views across her socials. She makes her Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut with her show ‘Avital Ash Workshops Her Suicide Note’ at the Monkey Barrel.
Ever since she was a wee babe and her mother took her own life, Avital has felt summoned by the other side to join her. But, she'd hate to be labelled a copycat and who wants to turn into their mother? In this show she explores depression, survivors’ guilt, growing up a Hasidic Jew, generational Holocaust trauma, sexual assault and queerness - all whilst being hilarious!
Avital Ash grew up a closeted pansexual on the shores of Miami Beach. The only daughter of a South African father and a mother who is descended from Holocaust survivors. Raised an Orthodox Jew before lapsing in later life, she wasn’t initially allowed to watch film or TV but sneakily found them anyway, eventually moving to LA to become an actress.
During the show she asks herself and the audience impossible questions: Is it nature or nurture that makes us give up? Could things have been different if life were different or would the chemicals in our bodies be the culprit regardless? And... Is life worth living? Since her mum didn’t leave a suicide note, Avital feels that she must leave one, as an important way to distinguish herself but boy, has she struggled to decide on what to say. Can she and the audience decide on her perfect farewell note?
As a director, Ash pulled inspiration directly from the headlines for her segment in her new pro-choice anthology film Give Me An A. The film has already won numerous awards including Best Feature Film & Best Writing awards Renegade Film Festival, 2022 Gold Audience Award, Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, 2022 Minerva Award & Director’s Prize for Overall Cinematic Achievement Filmquest and 2022 Audience Award at Other Worlds Austin Film Festival.
Ash created and starred in the critically acclaimed series 7P/10E which was developed into CBS comedy pilots My Time/Your Time and Real Life executive produced by the creators of How I Met Your Mother. She had recurring roles on the last season of Barry and Cake, both on Amazon Prime.
Avital Ash’s show ‘Avital Ash Workshops Her Suicide Note’ is at the Monkey Barrel: The Tron at 10.05pm from 1st – 27th August (not 14th) for tickets go here.
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
I replay the terrible life decisions that led me here, certain I’ve made a huge mistake.
With this show in particular I’ll also dedicate some time to putting a finger in my bellybutton and connecting to it. Which sounds insane without context but will make sense when you’ve seen the show.
What irritates you?
I hate when I get someone’s voicemail and it says “Hi, you’re reached David,” because we both know I haven’t.
Unearned intimacy. There are people that come up and cuddle me while I’m in conversation with someone else. It sounds nice but it drives me mad, unless I love them deeply.
I hate when people say my name wrong despite being corrected multiple times.
I hate when people say that Jews don’t believe in hell. Maybe there are sects of Judaism that don’t. But I grew up very religious and we definitely believed in hell. We use the word “gehennim,” but it is undoubtedly a hell.
I hate when people apologize for not getting back to you, but still don’t get back to you? i.e., I ask “Hey what time for dinner on Tuesday?” And they reply “Sorry, was in the shower.” IT’S FINE THAT YOU WERE IN THE SHOWER. I don’t need an apology. WHAT’S NOT FINE IS YOU STILL HAVEN’T SAID WHAT TIME! Now I have to reply to your apology saying it’s ok? Why is this my job now? JUST TELL ME WHAT TIME!
I guess a lot of things irritate me.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Maybe bouldering in Joshua Tree on mushrooms? We didn’t have any gear and we were high — both on the drugs and in terms of the elevation we reached — and a fall could’ve been calamitous.
That said… best two days of my life!
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Hmm… The first time I went on a rollercoaster I was terrified and my friend assured me I’d be fine. When it was over, I ran up behind him, jumped on his back, and said into his ear “I survived!”
He turned to face me and I leapt off his back because it turned out I was piggyback riding a stranger! Oops.
I’ve definitely done dumber things. But I’m drawing a blank!
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
This sounds like a humble brag or something, but I’m shocked that people find me funny. I took myself very seriously for a long time.
I auditioned for a friend’s thriller short film, and he said, “That was hilarious, but we’re going for a different direction.” I was NOT trying to be funny. At all.
It was another decade before I took a stand-up class, and even that was just to help me with TV pitches I was doing at the time. We had a graduation showcase, and from there people kept asking me to perform on their shows. I was truly astonished.
Interview continues here
