Why We Laugh: Black Comedians On Black Comedy.
Written by DJ Special Blend from Chicago on January 22, 2009
Chicago’s own Robert Townsend has a new documentary that is set to screen at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.
“Why We Laugh: Black Comedians On Black Comedy” is directed by Townsend and it’s based on the novel “Black Comedians on Black Comedy” by Darryl Littlejohn.
The film features interviews with and clips from comedic legends and powerhouses like Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Bill Bellamy, DL Hughley, Keenan Ivory Wayans and many more.
Rob-Town told Euroweb.com about how he educates and entertains with this joint.
“Well if you know me, you know that I have always tried to educate in my work, as well as entertain and ‘Why We Laugh’ is no exception.”
Rob-Town is just the guy to put this type of project together. Cain’t wait to see how he relates the history of Black comedians and the their progression from the beginning of time through right now...
From the satiric antics of the minstrel shows of the 1800s to the segregated stages of 1930s, 40s and 50s as well as the early days of Hollywood and the controversial rise of Step ‘n’ Fetchit, Pigmeat Markum and Moms Mabley. Then it’s a glide through to the humorists of the civil rights movement to the contemporary points of view of Dick Gregory, Richard Pryor and Flip Wilson to name a few.
The Sundance Film Festival continues through January 25 in Park City, Utah. For more information visit www.sundance.festival.org.
