A Philosophy of Comedy on Stage and Screen: You Have to be There ISBN-13: 9781472580436

ISBN-13: 9781472580436

Binding: Hardcover

Author: May, Shaun

Details: Review

“A strong exploration of how the philosophical writing of Martin Heidegger and others may be interwoven with our interpretation of comic performances. The result effectively illuminates comic engagement, Heidegger’s writing in particular, and ultimately, how jokes and laughter may be thought of as intrinsic to what makes us human … May convincingly demonstrates the broad implications of Heidegger’s Dasein to more thoroughly unpack specific comedic moments, genre aside. This is but one of several great strengths of May’s book … This book is a welcome addition to the libraries of scholars in humor studies, performance studies, disability studies, and philosophy … An original, thoughtful voyage that departs interestingly from the theoretical fare of late.” –Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism

Product Description

As far as we know, only human beings have a sense of humour – although chimps might laugh when tickled, and dogs respond similarly in play, Seth McFarlanes fan-base is comprised exclusively of humans. Whilst animals and robots might feature as prominent characters in our favourite comic movies, shows and stand-up routines, we have no reason to suspect that their real-life brethren get the joke.

Drawing on the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, Shaun May attempts to address this issue – suggesting that there is something distinctive about human beings which grounds our ability to make and comprehend jokes. Guiding the reader through a range of examples, including the films of Charlie Chaplin, the stand-up of Francesca Martinez, the TV show Family Guy and Samuel Becketts Endgame, he demonstrates that in order to get the joke you have to be there.

About the Author

Shaun May is a Lecturer in Drama and Theatre at the University of Kent, UK. Prior to joining the faculty at Kent he was an AHRC Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Philosophy department of the University of Liverpool and he taught at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and the Royal College of Art. He is co-convenor of the London Comedy Forum, a network of researchers with an interest in comedy and humour, and he has worked as a theatre director, producer and puppeteer.

Release Date: 17-12-2015

Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches

Languages: English

Part Number: 9781472580436

Number Of Pages: 224