Hysterical at SXSW 2021 — Media Women Worldwide

Written By: Margaux Fortier

Women of stand-up comedy have said and seen it all. Stepping onto the stage, their voices speak truths and experiences that carry understanding and laughter throughout the audience. Hysterical, an in-depth behind the scenes documentary about the world of the top women in stand-up comedy, premiered at South By Southwest 2021 and gave a full look at what happens on and off stage for these comedians.

Director Andrea Nevins | Courtesy of FX and A. Nevins

Incorporating stories from comedians of all different backgrounds, inspirations, and motivations, Hysterical pulls back the curtain on the truths of the stand-up world. From childhood to gigs to life on the road, director Andrea Nevins guides the viewers through the reality of female comedians in the business. Featuring 15 comedians and explaining what stand-up means to them gives a full picture of the power of having the mic and the outlet that comes with it. Traditionally, stand-up comedy has been seen as a man’s world so any woman who steps onto the stage is automatically seen as an outsider. From comedy showcases with only one slot for a female performer to unsafe living conditions on the road, women in stand-up need to develop a thick skin quickly.

Honing an act can only be done with experience in front of an audience but how can you get experience if you never get a chance to step onto the stage? Over the years, this environment has caused underlying competition between female comedians to try to fit into whatever the venue is looking for and to try to be the one to get on stage. Since the MeToo movement, however, more female comedians are supporting and encouraging each other and reaching back to help bring up the next generation. They also have more confidence to speak up against inappropriate behaviors from other comedians. The power of their individuality is finally shining through.

Still from Hysterical | Courtesy of SXSW — Still from *Hysterical* | Courtesy of SXSW

This documentary has an underlying theme of having the confidence to be yourself and the power of owning your story. When a woman in comedy is seen as ‘one of the guys’, they have been more easily accepted because they are falling into what is expected in comedy. However, growth in perception of what makes a good comic can be seen throughout the comedy world as female comics can reach audiences in different ways than male comics. The inherent nature of comedy is to point out the oddities of life and add commentary that others can relate to and understand. By adding in new voices and life experiences, a wider range of connection can be made. Keeping their stories and speaking about them from their own perspective, women in comedy are having success by being women and not because they are trying to fit what comedy was in the past.

Funny is funny, it doesn’t matter who you are. The world of stand-up comedy is stronger with these female voices in the mix and women in all media are benefiting from their experience. The comedy world is changing and bigger laughs are coming with it.

Hysterical is available now on FX and Hulu.

https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/hysterical

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10773654/

https://www.hulu.com/series/hysterical-0801b00d-f2b9-4035-862e-be657bc54560