Ifft pushes religious limits

Unafraid to push his humor and take chances by commenting on controversial subjects, comedian Eddie Ifft performed at the Student Union Theater on Thursday night.

A native of Pittsburgh, Ifft began his career as a standup comedian at the club circuit in New York City. He has performed for channels Comedy Central, NBC, BET and ABC. In 2001, he performed at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival in “New Faces” and filmed his own half-hour special for Comedy Central. In addition to working on the Queen Latifah Show and being featured in shows like “The Green Room,” Ifft has also hosted many radio shows. He frequently tours the UK and Australia and filmed a documentary entitled “America the Punchline.”
Ifft began the show with material relatable to college students, including topics like marijuana and drinking. Before sharing personal anecdotes about interesting things he has witnessed, Ifft covered many controversial topics.

“I don’t like Mitt Romney cause he’s a Mormon,” said Ifft. “Don’t worry, I joke about every religion. Just not Islam, cause I don’t wanna die.”
He added a comedic twist to sensitive matters like abortion, rape and homophobia. He explained how more people follow football religiously than religion itself. He shared how he wanted to test the Pope on his statement about condoms. He also made a few Obama and Romney jokes.

“I enjoyed how he tackled issues that many comedians do not dare touch on,” said Jose Brocero, a 3rd-semester actuarial science major. “I did not expect such an uncensored and hilarious performance, but he certainly delivered one.”
Ifft recalled how, when he performed a joke about the Catholic Church in a Jesuit school, the entire audience left the show. Though his jokes sometimes offend people, Ifft enjoys pushing the limit to see how much the audience can handle.

He then shared many bizarre stories, like how his friend had to race diarrhea while in a wet suit that had a broken zipper, how he misunderstood an Australian phrase and ended up getting beaten by rugby players, how he made a stripper cry while conversing about dolphins and how he learned to argue from homeless guys.

“I liked that the material was relatable,” said Brittany Holliday, 3rd-semester political science major. “He was making fun of his friends doing stupid things, and we all have those experiences.”
Currently doing college shows, Ifft plans to tour soon and in the spring he will visit Australia, where he has a large fan base.