'Hannah Gadsby: Douglas' Preview: Netflix's latest special promises treat for fans of diverse stand-up comedy
When Hannah Gadsby's 'Nanette' was released on Netflix in 2018, it changed the world of comedy. In a profession where many often complain that being "politically correct" would lead to poor comedy, Gadsby shattered those illusions and then some. In 'Nanette', Gadsby offered a fresh perspective on all her experiences as a queer woman in comedy. Gadsby shares stories of trauma and assault without flinching or easing the tension — even though she acknowledges that it is her job as a comedian. At one point, she even declared that she might have to quit comedy.
"I've built a career out of self-deprecating humor," she told a stunned audience. "I put myself down in order to speak, in order to seek permission to speak. And I simply will not do that anymore — not to myself, or anybody who identifies with me." Gadsby spent nearly an hour explaining how a joke works, and why it just doesn’t work for her anymore. Jokes, she says, are created when tension is exploded by a punch line, and the marginalized comic creates that tension by stating the trauma when a man used a homophobic slur on her and then -- “What a guy!” -- letting the audience off the hook, popping the balloon. Gadsby remarks eloquently of this practice: “It’s not humility. It’s humiliation.”
Gadsby also drew upon her art history background in 'Nanette' to admonish the art world for revering artists like Pablo Picasso, who had relationships with underage girls, while largely ignoring women artists. After the release of 'Nanette', Gadsby became a symbol of inclusivity for many different groups often made invisible to the mainstream. She’s queer, she’s masculine-presenting (or “gender not-normal,” in her words), she’s on the autism spectrum, she’s a rape survivor, and she doesn’t have the traditionally glorified body type.
And what a refreshing change for many women who listened to Gadsby in 'Nanette'? They realized that they did not really have to endure jokes on rape and the feminine body that were highly deprecating, laughing along just because those around you are laughing. They realized that comedy has space for more than just the Jerry Seinfelds, the Dave Chappelles, and the Louis CKs.
Gadsby's newest special, 'Douglas', pretty much reaffirms that. In fact, there is also a Louis CK joke that you've been warned about but still will not expect when it comes. In 'Douglas', Gadsby talks about her autism diagnosis and so much more. Is it Gadsby's pithy style of delivery or is it the way she lures you in as a human being? It is probably both, but as in 'Nanette', Gadsby's 'Douglas' shows us that the standup comedy scene has space for different kinds of artistes. We have even seen the change in straight white male comedians (see Seth Meyers' 'Lobby Baby').
Gadsby's rise came at a time when the #MeToo movement gained momentum -- whether it was coincidental or a cause-and-effect situation, we can't be clear. Nevertheless, Hannah Gadsby blossomed at the right time.
'Hannah Gadsby: Douglas' will be available to stream on Netflix on May 26th at 12 am PST.