Review: Nobody's Died Laughing

Proof that comedy is a serious business

Documentary: Nobody’s Died Laughing

Director: Willem Oelofson

This is a documentary all about comedian, satirist and activist Pieter-Dirk Uys.

Everyone knows him as the alter ego of Tannie Evita.  This documentary goes behind the scenes and shows you what it is like for this artist to perform all over South Africa and all over 

the world.

The documentary also shows you the evolution of Pieter-Dirk Uys how he has moved from satire to now providing children with free Aids-awareness entertainment programmes.

The documentary goes back and forth in time and shows you how he got his first break and how he has acted in many shows all over South Africa.  We also get to see where he stays in Darling and how he has helped the community of Darling not only with a Theatre but he has also helped out with costs towards the swimming pool. 

The documentary is very well shot and features some very famous people who share their insights about Pieter-Dirk Uys.  We get some interesting information about this star from the likes of Charlize Theron, Desmond Tutu, Janet Suzman, Zapiro, David Kramer and even Sophia Loren. 

The documentary follows Pieter-Dirk Uys around the Grahamstown Festival, we see him in England and in Berlin. 

At times deeply thought provoking, at other times emotional and in many instances very funny.  Learn what satire is all about.

For artists this documentary is highly recommended, you will certainly learn what it takes to perform in your own shows. 

This is a man who has done over 7000 performances of a 1 man show.

Rating: Highly Recommended

The documentary is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.

Next showing: 26 June | 21:30 | Playhouse

For more info visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za  | #DIFF2016

Review by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton