Code Switched At Birth

Code Switched At Birth finds comedians Franchesca Ramsey and Nthenya From Kenya unpacking the complexities and hilarities of their similar yet totally opposite experiences, subverting every expectation of what Black women are supposed to look and sound like. This co-headlined stand-up show digs into the many ways they code switch throughout life: while talking to white people vs Black people, while at home vs. work and on stage as comics versus in corporate America. And despite their many differences (short vs. tall, married mom vs. child-free divorcee), the show traces their newly formed friendship and the realization that they'd been living parallel lives all along.

Don’t get it twisted, they can be “angry” and even “sassy” but in more of a fun and authentic sorta way. Nthenya is a Kenyan immigrant by way of Canada who came to America, though not quite the way Hollywood portrayed in Coming to America. To be honest it was more like a spinoff of ‘Everyone Hates Chris.’ Meanwhile, Franchesca was one of the few Black kids at her South Florida Catholic school. Who could forget Fran’s 3rd grade teacher saying her braids reminded her of Whoopi Goldberg?!

Not your average stand-up show, Franchesca and Nthenya will join forces onstage for a night of hilarious comedy, storytelling, audience interaction, music, and more.

 

ABOUT THE COMEDIANS:

FRANCHESCA RAMSEY is an LA-based comedian, writer, producer and the creator/star of the award-winning web series MTV Decoded. A former writer/correspondent for Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, her first book, Well That Escalated Quickly was nominated for an NAACP award and named one of Amazon’s best books of 2018. In 2021 she served as writer/co-producer on the iCarly reboot for Paramount+ and guest starred on NBC’s Superstore. In the podcast space she’s hosted and produced shows for Wondery, Audible and Acast. Most recently she guest starred on Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest & has developed multiple tv projects with Will Packer Productions. With over 20 years as a content creator, Franchesca has amassed billions of views and over a million followers across multiple platforms with her comedic social commentary and catchy viral songs. Most recently, Franchesca’s debut feature was selected for the 2024 Sundance labs. As a social media strategist she’s worked with NYT Best Selling author Lindy West, data protection company Vermillio. She currently serves as the Director of Content for Beekman Social. Learn more: franchesca.net

NTHENYA, AKA Nthenya from Kenya, is a Kenyan-born stand-up comedian, actress, and writer who brings a global perspective and razor-sharp wit to every stage. Raised between Vancouver and the American South, her comedy explores identity, culture shocks, and the beauty of contradiction. In addition to performing at the New York Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, and Traverse City Comedy Festival, Nthenya is a two-time Just for Laughs Montreal Stand-up & Pitch winner, KTLA’s Summer of Funny champ, and recently showcased her half-hour special at Y’ALL Fest. As an actor, you’ve seen her on Shameless, Loosely, Exactly Nicole, and in Lifetime and Hallmark hits like The Suicide Note and Accidentally Engaged. From co-owning LA’s only Black, female-run comedy space to developing award-winning projects, Nthenya is carving her own lane – and inviting you along for the ride. Learn more: nthenyafromkenya.com