Liza Treyger, the American comedian known for her Netflix special “Night Owl,” is embarking on her second European tour, starting in Amsterdam at Boom Chicago next Tuesday. Treyger, who has been performing stand-up for over sixteen years, will bring her signature humor to the stage, covering familiar topics such as weed, sex, her immigrant parents, and feminism.
While Treyger addresses serious topics in her comedy, she acknowledges the current political climate in the United States is proving difficult to satirize. She expresses concern about the state of democracy in America, finding the situation “too depressing for words” to be funny.
Treyger, born in Odesa, Ukraine, to Jewish parents who immigrated to the United States when she was three, also touches upon the war in Ukraine in her show. However, she notes that Americans are currently more focused on domestic issues such as immigration policies and the treatment of journalists. Despite the heavy subject matter, Treyger aims to create a positive atmosphere during her performances, prioritizing the laughter of women and people of color.
Treyger’s path to comedy wasn’t planned; she initially stumbled into it after attending an open mic night. Although her first attempt was nerve-wracking, she persevered, honing her skills and eventually finding her place in the comedy scene.
A turning point in her career came in 2015 when she moved to New York, performed at major comedy festivals, and secured a spot at The Comedy Cellar. This led to opportunities such as a role in Louis CK’s series “Horace and Pete” and a part in Judd Apatow’s film “The King of Staten Island,” solidifying her career as a comedian and actor.
