May Day was not only a time to gather for sports but also for laughs.  During the last day of softball tournaments, Michael Mapa announced a Marshallese Comedy Show for the Tuesday after the tournament, May 31, 2022.  Thanking the comedians there from Hawaii, Phoenix and locally in Springdale, the First Marshallese Comedy Show was a success.  Michael also acknowledged Letto Toto Marquez who provided the music and the support of Doctor Sheldon Riklon, Patrick B. Boaz Sr. and Alele Frailan Riklon from Aenemaan, and co-owner of KuauTee Tribal Art & Design, Mac Aikne.

Chikin Melele talked with two of the comedians, Thomas Tulensa and Mino Bolkiem, and the host Michael Mapa.  At Tyson Park, Mino told Chikin Melele how excited he was for the show.  He had come to compete with Team Namdrik in the May Day tournament but he was excited about the upcoming show.  He apologized that it was only for men explaining that they wanted to respect m̧anit.  Michael thanked all the women for letting the men go out for the night.

Dr. Riklon also attended that night and he said it was a nice change and enjoyed hearing the funny stories and jokes about everything from back home, their life here, and in their families.  He said he hopes it grows “and includes other talented Marshallese comedians.”  Michael promised this will not be the first and last comedy show.  The next one might be a family show.  Or, they might take it on the road.  Next stop could be Enid, Oklahoma for these guys.

This also broke ground as the first comedy show organized in Northwest Arkansas.  Ticket prices seemed high: $50.  But, Michael said a lot of people afterwards said they regret not going: “I should have spent my $50 on the show. You know what? I went and bought me beer.”  The comedy show was probably better.  The price of admission also included a buffet.

Michael and Thomas were still laughing days later.  “How about the joke about my brother and me?”  Thomas gave this joke to Chikin Melele to share: “Kōmro ekar jikuuḷ ilo buraibat jikuuḷ (private school).  Eṃōj iien en me relak itok rekar ba ‘who are these two cool guys?’  Kōmro ej kabatat jikka, kabatat all the time.  Im rej kalimjek kōmro and we thought it was so awesome that the teachers allowed us to do whatever.  Elak ke ring bell im en jetal jikuuḷ.  The principal was watching us from the office and called us in.  She was like, ‘oh, ya’ll gon graduate, you two gonna graduate.’  My half brother was like, ‘so we passed the test?’  No, she said, ‘because you’re too old.’  We had passed the age where we could buy cigarettes so that was it.”

The comedy show was about more than just some good laughs though “all the men were all die laughing.”  Michael said that it brought out the iakwe in everyone.  He said “iakwe” because it encompasses love and beauty.  It brought everyone together on the same level and “people started talking about community.”  Thomas agreed: “We all came in as strangers and after in the parking lot people were hanging out like they knew each other.”  He said it was better than therapy.
Though the show was not shared on Facebook Live, they did record the show to sell DVDs.  Keep an eye out for it at KuauTee.  And check out Michael Mapa on Facebook to see more from his campaign to run for justice of the peace for District 6.  Chikin Melele will be waiting too.