Through the bright lights, a surprising Jerry Springer-esque likeness interrogates a Brooklyn-born Big Bad Wolf, psychoanalyzing his true relationship with two of the three pig siblings.

The stage lights dim.

Then God walks onto the dark stage.

As the lights come up, a Canadian-accented God begins his narrative of Genesis on LiveJournal.com. As he types, he becomes increasing distracted and sidetracked, discussing rude friends and dates gone sour.



The Evil Empire comedy troupe’s debut show, “Evil Empire Comedy: hits Berkeley (in the face.)” features nine original short skits in the flavor of Saturday Night Live, Kids in the Hall, and Mad TV, poking fun at blind dates, unusual work places, Harry Potter, Michael Jackson, God, the Internet, clowns, and even themselves. Expect plenty of subtle and not-so subtle sexual innuendos thrown in for good measure.



“We want to do comedy the way we think it should be done,” said Rob Mueller, co-writer, actor, and co-founder of the troupe. The troupe felt that comedy today was missing something. Cassie Whitney believed that comedy has become too edgy and relies on poor jokes, bad puns, shock value for laughs.



This troupe creates multi-media performances, mixing live music, videos, parody, and projectors. In addition, web videos and music are available on their Web site, www.evilempirecomedy.com.



Named after a song from Rage Against the Machine, Evil Empire Comedy targets the 18-30 crowd. Founded in a CSU East Bay improvisation class, they continue the tradition by opening their shows with improv games and active audience participation.

Currently, Evil Empire Comedy performs at La Val’s Subterranean Theatre, steps below the pizzeria at 1834 Euclid in Berkeley. Theatergoers are encouraged to bring pizza and beer down the dark staircase to the black box theatre that seats 60.

Advertising only through word of mouth, the Internet, and a sidewalk sandwich board sign, the opening night crowd attracted less than a dozen comedy patrons. Yet the troupe’s energy level was not diminished because of the small house.



They have six more shows left on June 23, 24 and 30 and July 1, 7, and 8, with performances beginning at 8 PM. Cost of the show is $8 for general public and $5 for students and seniors. The troupe hopes to spread the word by selling black Evil Empire Comedy T-shirts for $15. Kiely hopes that just walking around will spur curiosity.

“Where’d you get that super cool shirt? Are you kidding? It’s my comedy troupe!”