Kendall-raised comic returns to Miami for "homecoming" show
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Local comedian Brittany Brave is returning to Miami on Aug. 20. Photo: Courtesy Brittany Brave
Brittany Brave hates when people call female comics "unapologetic."
- "Every time someone reviews a female comic, it's like, 'She says what she thinks!' 'She's in your face!' And you're just like, 'OK,'" she told Axios in a recent interview.
Why it matters: The New York-born, Kendall-raised comedian is set to make her return to the Miami scene next week after almost two years — this time with a darker tone.
- "The reality is, a lot of the [new show] is about my mom having cancer and keeping my dad, who has dementia, alive. I have a lot of material about grief."
- Moreover, Brave is also a domestic violence survivor and the topic is woven through everything she does, both on and off stage.
The big picture: While Brave has always been a performer, she didn't launch her stand-up career until just before the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was living in New York City, unhappy and coming out of an abusive relationship.
- She spoke honestly about the transition with friends. They suggested she do stand-up.
- "'This is so dark and funny,' they told me. And they were right," she said. "What other medium will allow you to talk like this about these traumatic things?"
She dove in. Then the pandemic hit. And Brave found herself back in Miami — a place she didn't plan on returning to.
State of play: A few years and multiple accolades later — Miami New Times' Best Comedian 2021, TimeOut's Best Comedy Act 2023 and a NY Comedy Festival Comic to Watch in 2024 — she's performing at the Miami Improv Comedy Theater with a new show and fresh material.
- Catch her at 8pm on Aug. 20.
What they're saying: Performing back in Miami "feels like a homecoming and reunion of sorts," she said. "I had all my formative years in Miami's comedy scene, and it's what made me a strong comedian."
Yes, but: Miami crowds are rough. The city is "notoriously bad for comedy," she said.
- "I love it and I know it well. But there's a lot of distractions [in the city] and things that are more interesting than sitting down and listening to someone talk about their trauma for an hour," Brave said.
Zoom out: Brave also recently completed a documentary, "Muchacha."
- The short film is about family, roots, survival and reinvention. It's also a look at the past, present and future of Miami's comedy scene.
The bottom line: Brave's career in stand-up — especially in Miami — was an unplanned one, but she sees potential for the local comedy scene to blossom.
- "There's been a renaissance of Miami comedians," she said. "And I hope to make Miami proud in the hopes we can legitimize our scene here."