Martin Ipsh: The Irish don't care where you're from, what you do, what you have or who you sleep with

Martina Ipša, one of Slovenia's leading stand-up comedians, will return to Ljubljana this August to perform at the Panč Festival, despite having moved to Dublin, Ireland, several years ago. The event marks her first major appearance in Slovenia since relocating, and she has promised a performance filled with insights into her life in Ireland. The 19th edition of the Panč Festival, set to take place on August 21 at Ljubljana Castle, will feature Ipša delivering her comedy in Slovenian, as she has done throughout her career. Ipša made the move to Ireland after gaining recognition in Slovenia as a prominent figure in the country’s stand-up comedy scene. Her decision to relocate was unexpected, but recent successes suggest it has been a wise choice. Despite her new home, she remains connected to Slovenia and plans to bring a piece of her Irish experiences back to her native audience. She described her upcoming show as “special,” emphasizing the significance of performing before a familiar crowd on such a well-regarded platform. Her time in Dublin has brought surprises, particularly regarding the openness of the Irish people. According to Ipša, the Irish seem indifferent to where someone comes from, what they do for a living, what they possess, or whom they sleep with, as long as they are kind and decent individuals. This contrasts with Slovenian social norms, where inviting friends over to one’s home is more common than in Ireland, where gatherings typically occur outside the home. The Irish are known for their self-deprecating humor and ability to handle jokes at their own expense better than many other cultures. However, Ipša noted that even in Ireland, jokes targeting specific groups or individuals are not well received. She emphasized that while Slovenian audiences also appreciate self-deprecating humor, the Irish have a stricter approach to jokes that could be seen as hurtful or discriminatory. Performing in English presents a new challenge for Ipša. While some of her material revolves around Slovenian themes and requires prior knowledge of the subject, she has adapted parts of her repertoire to fit the Irish context. She has written new material specifically for the Irish audience, though much of her work remains tied to her Slovenian roots and can only be performed in Slovenia. Ipša acknowledged that opportunities in Ireland differ from those in Slovenia rather than being more abundant. There are numerous professional clubs in Dublin where she regularly performs, and she has already achieved notable success, including winning a stand-up comedy competition and performing in the United States. Recently, she took part in the largest stand-up comedy festival in Dublin, meeting top comedians from Ireland, the UK, and around the world. She expressed gratitude for these opportunities and looks forward to future challenges. She added that while the nature of opportunities differs, the quality of the comedic environment in Ireland is high, offering a dynamic setting for her craft. Her experience in Dublin has allowed her to grow professionally and personally, and she continues to draw inspiration from both her Slovenian heritage and her new surroundings in Ireland.