The Crypto Comedians: When Absurdity Reigned Supreme
The 1960s and 1970s were a pivotal time in the world of comedy, marked by the rise of alternative comedy and the emergence of some of the most influential comedians of all time. One such group, known as The Crypt, was a collective of comedians who pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in comedy. Led by the enigmatic and irreverent comedian, Roger Miller, The Crypt, also known as The Crypto Comedians, gained a reputation for their unwavering commitment to absurdity and their unapologetic approach to humor.
The Early Days
The Crypto Comedians were born out of a desire to subvert the traditional comedy scene. In the early 1960s, comedians like Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl were challenging the status quo, but their acts were still largely within the realm of established norms. The Crypto Comedians, on the other hand, sought to take comedy to new, unconventional heights. They drew inspiration from the surrealistic works of James Joyce, the improvisational experimentation of John Coltrane, and the experimental films of Stan Brakhage.
The Image, The Axiom, and The Crypt
At the heart of The Crypto Comedians was their home base, The Crypt. A dingy, cramped basement space in the East Village of New York City, it was the epicenter of their creative chaos. Comedians, writers, and musicians would gather to share their latest work, experiment with new forms, and challenge each other to push their comedy to new extremes. This space became a breeding ground for the zaniest, most outlandish, and often disturbing humor.
The Art of Absurdity
The Crypto Comedians were masters of the absurd, taking their cues from the likes of Monty Python, Ernie Kovacs, and the avant-garde works of Marcel Duchamp. They explored the realms of the surreal, the nonsensical, and the illogical, always keeping their audience on their toes. By embracing the absurd, they created a world where nothing made sense, and anything was possible.
The Music Connection
Music played a significant role in the Crypto Comedians’ arsenal. Poet and musician, Dan Hemenway, was an integral part of the group, creating sonic landscapes that complemented their comedic ambitions. His music often featured dissonant harmonies, feedback, and cacophony, adding to the group’s overall sense of unease and disorientation.
The Unholy Trinity
At the height of their powers, The Crypto Comedians were at the forefront of the comedy world. Comprised of Roger Miller, EJ De Lauro, and William Pfaff, this trio was the linchpin of the group. Miller, with his deadpan delivery and self-deprecating humor, was the de facto leader. De Lauro, with his rapid-fire wit and dark humor, brought a piranha-like ferocity to the group. Pfaff, with his clever wordplay and incisive commentary, completed the trifecta.
The Crypt is Reforming in 3… 2… 1…
As the 1970s drew to a close, the world was changing. The counterculture movement was fading, and the comedy scene was shifting toward more mainstream, commercialized fare. The Crypto Comedians, having exhausted themselves, regrouped, rebranded, and scattered to the winds. But their influence remained, as a testament to the lasting impact they had on comedy.
Q: What was The Crypt?
A: The Crypt was the home base of The Crypto Comedians, a cramped, dingy basement space in the East Village of New York City.
Q: Who were the key members of The Crypto Comedians?
A: The core members were Roger Miller, EJ De Lauro, and William Pfaff.
Q: What was the significance of The Crypto Comedians?
A: They pushed the boundaries of comedy, embracing absurdity and challenging the status quo. Their irreverent and unconventional approach helped shape the course of alternative comedy in the 1960s and 1970s.
Q: What was the music component of The Crypto Comedians?
A: Dan Hemenway, a poet and musician, created sonic landscapes that complemented their comedic experiments, often featuring dissonant harmonies, feedback, and cacophony.
Q: What happened to The Crypto Comedians?
A: As the 1970s drew to a close, the group disbanded, and its members pursued separate paths. However, their influence on comedy and their legacy continue to be felt.