Stir Q&A: Estonian comedy-improv artist Martin Junna weighs in on saunas, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and the art of not taking things too seriously
The member of Ruutu10 joins improv teams from Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and the Philippines for The Improv Centre’s THE HEAT—An International Improv Comedy Showcase
Ruutu10.
The Improv Centre presents THE HEAT—An International Improv Comedy Showcase from January 28 to February 1
SOME OF THE world’s leading improv troupes are coming to Vancouver for THE HEAT—An International Improv Comedy Showcase, presented by The Improv Centre on Granville Island from January 28 to February 1.
The lineup includes Ruutu10 from Tartu, Estonia; Second Breakfast from Wellington, Aotearoa (New Zealand); The Impro Show from Harare, Zimbabwe; and the return of last year’s festival favourite, SPIT Manila from Manila, Philippines.
The improv troupes will perform nightly alongside performers from TIC’s ensemble. Each show will include short-form games to start and either a visiting troupe’s unique style of improv or an “all-play” with teams working together. Teams will continue to mix and mingle throughout the fest.
Stir caught up with Ruutu10’s Martin Junna to find out more.
How did you come to discover improv comedy and what do you personally enjoy about the art form?
I discovered it from the internet. I stumbled upon the show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and laughed a lot. At first I didn’t believe it was improv, but when I saw their holiday special with all the parts that didn’t air, then I was convinced it was improvised. When I finished high school there was a beginner improv troupe that was looking for members and I joined that.
I enjoy that improv is simple enough to start having fun immediately, but it also has a very high skill-level ceiling. For example, this Christmas we were at my son’s grandmother’s house and she has an electric piano. My son is almost two years old and he had so much fun with it, just pressing keys and other buttons that changed the sound that the electric piano was making. But also learning piano and playing it well requires a lot of practice and is an amazing feat. Basically you can have fun when you know nothing about it and it is still interesting and challenging even if you have done it for decades. I feel that improv is the same.
What does Ruutu10 mean?
“Ruutu” in direct translation would mean “squares”. Ruutu10 in direct translation would be the “playing card 10 of diamonds”.
When we started, we named our troupe Improkraatia, which would translate to “improcracy”, like democracy but with improv. We soon discovered that for Estonians, it is very hard to pronounce the word “improkraatia”. Since we were fairly new, we decided to change it to Ruutu10. In retrospect our new name is not that much better, but at least it is easier to pronounce. The key takeaway is not to put a number in your name, ha! Number 10 is a reference to the 10 founding members. At that time we were performing with checked shirts, but in Estonia it translates more like squared shirts. Combining that word with the number gave us something completely different, which was the playing card “10 of diamonds” and we kind of liked the idea that improv and playing cards have lots of similarity. For example, they are fun, usually done with a group of people, can be addictive, and ruin you financially.
What kinds of topics does Ruutu10 cover in its shows?
It depends on the show and the audience. The show will be a reflection of that audience. All topics are on the table. But we do get to do a lot of scenes in the sauna. Estonians love saunas.
What's funny in Estonia these days? And what are you finding funny in the wider world?
In Estonia, we are funny! In the world I guess the reels my wife sends me. Occasionally I watch some stand-ups. I enjoy Shane Gillis a lot.
Do you have a sense of how Estonian improv might differ from that in Canada and in other parts of the world? In what ways?
I think Estonian and Canadian improv are very similar. I am guessing Estonian improv isn’t as racially sensitive Canadian improv might be. When we get to Canada and see Canadian improv I’ll have a better answer.
How is the troupe preparing to do improv at the upcoming international showcase in Vancouver?
For the last couple of months we have been doing our rehearsals in English. Everything else is the same.
Is there anything else about your work that you'd like people to know?
We are a fun and friendly group of people. We do grounded yet playful improv that doesn’t take itself too seriously. We are excited to meet people at the festival. 
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