Dave Chappelle sat down for a recent interview with Variety, where he shared insights into his approach to delivering monologues on Saturday Night Live (SNL). The comedian explained that rehearsal is not about fine-tuning jokes, but rather ensuring the sound quality. This approach raises questions about how some of his most provocative material makes it onto the air.
Chappelle recalled a 2022 monologue where he was told to drop a non-binary joke after rehearsal at SNL host Lorne Michaels’ suggestion. The comedian stated that his pre-rehearsal jokes were not included in the final show, but admits that even so, it’s still challenging to perform on live television.
“It’s exhilarating, but also terrifying,” Chappelle said. “You never do as well as you think you will.” He shared an experience from 2016, where he improvised a set for President-elect Donald Trump after the initial script was written. When asked about his initial stance on Trump, Chappelle reflected on how his views have evolved: “I look at it like a photograph… It’s what I felt at that time.”
Chappelle’s unorthodox approach to monologue preparation has sparked curiosity among fans and critics alike. His willingness to take risks and adapt to the moment adds to the magic of performing on SNL, making it a gift for comedians like himself.
Source: https://www.avclub.com/dave-chappelle-saturday-night-live-monologues-surprise