During this time of social distancing and dark theatres, Vancouver Presents is checking in with members of our arts community to find out how they are staying creative and managing during the pandemic.
Today we check in with Vancouver-based comedian and actor Kwasi Thomas.
1. How are you staying creative during the pandemic?
I wasn’t for quite some time. Just watching a lot of tv. But as the virus ramps back up, and the BLM movement does the same, I have been writing and journaling. I’ve also joined some online comedy and sketch shows. Not the same as the real thing, but was something to do
2. What’s the one thing getting you through?
Patience.
3. How are you staying in contact with family and friends who are not in your bubble?
Smoke signals. Everyone is pretty nearby.
4. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far during the pandemic?
If it wasn’t for the internet, people would eat each other. That’s not a compliment to the internet either, so we’re clear.
5. What do you feel the most grateful for right now?
My real friends.
6. What is something you are doing now that you don’t normally?
Use my iPad for anything other than …. video … streaming.
7. What skill have you developed since the pandemic started?
Patience.
8. What have you missed the most?
Restaurant steak. Being on film sets.
9. Your #1 pandemic survival tip.
Don’t get eaten.
10. Your biggest indulgence since the pandemic started.
Finally. A real question … Skip the Dishes and McDonalds.
11. What have you stockpiled?
Patience.
12. What have you been reading?
Old emails from old lovers.
13. What have you been watching?
Everything. I finished Netflix. It actually says ‘Fin’ all the way at the bottom.
14. What have you been listening to?
Bonjay, Iyla … music. Whatever I can find.
15. What are you doing for exercise?
Exercising.
16. The one thing you haven’t been able to live without?
There are various levels of survival we are prepared to accept. This will be the sixth time we have destroyed Zion, and we are becoming exceedingly efficient at it.
17. Do-it-yourself haircut or the natural look?
I’ve always cut my own hair. Nothing new there.
18. Night owl or early riser?
Well, I’m trying to get this in before 8 am today, so …
19. Will you be the first out as restrictions are gradually lifted or taking a wait-and-see attitude?
I’ll sit back and watch the show for a while. Unless I am the show.
20. What’s the first thing you will do when this is all over?
Same thing I try to do every night, Pinky …
Meet Kwasi Thomas
Kwasi spends a healthy portion of his life on stage. He has represented Montreal at the Just for Laughs Homegrown Stand Up Comedy Competition, as well as the Best of the Fest Showcases. Kwasi also guest stars in Vancouver filmed television shows such as Lucifer, Netflix’s Altered Carbon and SnowPiercer.
You can find out more about Kwasi online at thekwasithomas.com, follow him on Instagram or follow his film & television career on IMDb.