Winnipeg, Man. – In a first for APTN, The Laughing Drum is making its debut at the world-renowned Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival on March 15, 2019. Two episodes will be recorded in front of a live audience during Friday’s show.
Hosted by former journalist Tim Fontaine, The Laughing Drum is a weekly satirical news and talk show that looks at Canadian and Indigenous politics, entertainment, arts and culture with a sharp and unique sense of humour. By using news footage, interviews with guests and discussion from the Red Power Panel, each episode dissects issues facing Indigenous Peoples.
“We’re honoured to bring Indigenous humour and satire to the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival,” says Tim Fontaine, host and producer. “It’s especially exciting to share The Laughing Drum, which is so deeply and utterly Indigenous that it has its own land claim.”
This popular APTN show features an all-Indigenous cast including Elissa Black Wolf Kixen (WOKE Comedy Hour) and the Red Power Panel: Craig Lauzon (AIR FARCE), Kaniehtiio Horn (Letterkenny) and Candy Palmater (The Candy Show).
The Laughing Drum will be in good company at the festival. Since its inception in 2005, the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival has showcased a wide variety of comedic giants, ranging from The Kids in the Hall to Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon and Toronto’s own The Second City.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Tim Fontaine and the team of The Laughing Drum,” says Jean La Rose, CEO of APTN. “It’s very gratifying to see one of the country’s top comedy festivals recognize and showcase Indigenous programming to a wider audience. I know audiences will love them and I suspect they will be invited again and again to share their unique brand of humour.”
Check out The Laughing Drum at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival on Friday, March 15 from 6 – 7 p.m. at The Great Hall. Tickets are $20 and are available at torontosketchfest.com.
About APTN
APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world, creating a window into the remarkably diverse mosaic of Indigenous Peoples. A respected non-profit and charitable broadcaster, it’s the only one of its kind in North America. The network is Sharing Our Stories of authenticity in English, French and a variety of Indigenous languages to approximately 11 million Canadian TV subscribers. With over 80% Canadian content, APTN connects with its audience through genuine, inspiring and engaging entertainment on multiple platforms.
For further information about APTN or image requests, contact:
Jacqueline Jubinville
Manager of Communications, APTN
(204) 947-9331 ext. 339 [email protected]