Atsuko Okatsuka

If you have searched for stand up comedy then the algorithm ninja of instagram has thrown a few clips in your late night doom scrolling of a smart witty human being who looks like a stylish, neon-clad anime character brought to life. That is Atsuko Okatsuka who is currently burning down the comedy circuit with several sold out shows across the country. With her pristine, architectural bowl cut and a wardrobe that looks like a colorful explosion at a candy factory and her mischievous energy that is completely unmatched. Fans love her aesthetic so much that people regularly show up to her live theater shows wearing matching wigs. Some artists use heavy fast movements and high energy shouting rants but Atsuko uses an almost childlike frankness, wide eyed expressions, and incredible Soft physical comedy to speak about genuinely wild life experiences. Her background is fascinatingly pure chaos. She spent years growing up as an undocumented immigrant in Los Angeles, living in a room above her uncle’s garage, and she used humor to build a bridge with her grandmother and her mother, who has schizophrenia. The honest story telling has created a connection with so many fans. One viral clip of her set in Pasadena got interrupted by a 7.1 earthquake, she kept cool, calm and kept the crowd from panicking. Most would have ran for the exit. Between her breakout HBO special The Intruder and her latest hit Father streaming on Hulu, she’s proving that you can take the strange, anxious parts of life and turn them into a massive, inclusive party. If you can grab some tickets for any of the shows coming up, well worth it. It's a brilliant invitation to join in on her beautifully weird world.

See her live

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