Probably the most successful female comedian in the German-speaking world, her socially critical programs are thought-provoking.
Her current program is called "Alphapussy". What does the term mean?
It means a strong woman who doesn't play down and who stands up for herself.
Women's rights are a recurring theme in your program. Do comedy programs that play with gender roles upset you?
I wouldn't say that they upset me, but I just can't share the experiences. For example, I don't know any women who always put the remote control on the TV. But I wouldn't start a demonstration against such programs. If people can laugh about it, they have a right to exist.
Your program is very socially critical. What annoys you most in the world?
The political situation is very unsettling for many people at the moment. With Trump, you constantly ask yourself: "What is he doing?" In the past, you always had the feeling that politicians had everything under control. But now you realize that maybe that's no longer the case. That is unsettling.
Does the current political situation in the world scare you?
Fear is too much to say, but I can tell from comments on my Facebook page or YouTube videos that things are moving further and further to the right. It all used to be done with pseudonyms, and now people post clearly racist comments with real names. As a German, I feel responsible for this development, if only because of our history. We in Europe have to say that we have been down this road before - and that it ended in disaster. We must therefore set a better example.
You have often been critical of influencers. Let's turn the tables: What fascinates you about influencers?
It's amazing how much power they have gained in advertising. Anyone who used to advertise on TV now relies on influencers. This results in funny situations: In the summer, many influencers posted photos of themselves with fabric softener. I ask myself: "Hmm, how does fabric softener fit into this hipster life?" Surely nobody can be so stupid as to believe that they just happen to be out and about with their fabric softener. This phenomenon will have to take care of itself in the next few years. In ten years' time, nobody will think that an influencer has left behind a great piece of work. Just a photo with a fabric softener.
Have people who have parodied you ever contacted you?
No, there has been no direct feedback. But it's considered an honor to be parodied. You tend to get annoyed in silence and then say to the outside world that you think it's funny. But no one has ever asked me about it directly.
What do you think is the biggest nonsense on television?
I find the dating shows increasingly absurd. At first, all people with special characteristics were covered, from very fat to completely obstructed people. Now they take their clothes off and see each other's private parts first, I really can't think of anything else. It's frightening!
You are a proud Cologne resident: what do you like best about your home city?
You can't tell that Cologne is a big city, and the city is pleasantly ugly and has a great cultural offering. What most people particularly like are the people. When you go to a pub in Cologne, you're immediately friends with everyone. But you never really know whether that will still be the case the next day.
When was the last time you were in Switzerland?
It was two years ago at the Arosa Humorfestival. That was fun, we had to take a snowmobile up to the tent on the alp. I also really enjoy being in Zurich - it's a great city where you don't feel at all foreign as a tourist.
Where does good humor end for you?
Where it becomes flat. That doesn't mean below the belt, I find that funny. For me, flat humor is when you become offensive or crass for no reason - when you simply touch on taboo subjects for the sake of provocation.
And what is good humor?
Basically, I am easily amused. Anything that is surprising and authentic makes me laugh.
When was the last time you watched a colleague's program?
Unfortunately, it's rare - two years ago it was a program by Johann König. But sometimes I find the time to watch mixed shows with newcomers in Cologne.
You have also parodied Helene Fischer. Do you really think Helene is as bad as she sometimes seems?
Musically, yes - but I don't know her personally, I've only often heard that she's nice and great. But I can't do much with the ideal glittery pop world.
Not even to Cologne Carnival?
No. By the way, that's a big misunderstanding: Schlager has nothing to do with carnival! When Schlager is played at Cologne Carnival, locals sit down on the floor or even leave the place.
What do you like best about your job?
I do a lot: TV shows, acting, dubbing and comedy. But my favorite part is being on stage: the direct reaction of the audience is what I wouldn't give up so easily.
Are there difficult moments?
Of course. For example, when you have a show coming up and you know you have to be funny for many minutes, but you don't have any ideas at the moment.
That's a parallel to the world of pop songs: pop singers have to be in a good mood and you in comedy have to be funny.
Yes, that's sometimes terrible. But you have to be a professional. The audience has paid a lot of money for tickets and I simply have to deliver. But when I'm on stage, I'm always in my element. At the end of the day, it's just a job that you have to be good at.
The next edition of Carolin Kebekus' WDR show "PussyTerrorTV" airs on September 7 at 10.45 pm on ARD.
CAROLIN KEBEKUS
September 15, 17, Hallenstadion Zurich
September 16, 17, Kursaal-Arena Bern
17 September 17, Musical Theater Basel
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