The role of political and social satire in South Africa through stand up comedy: case study of Trevor Noah’s comedies, that’s racist (2012), Crazy normal (2011) and Day Walker(2009).

Abstract

This thesis seeks to address the role of satire in stand-up comedy in exposing socio-political issues and injustices. The study used the semiotics theory which primarily studies on the significance of signs and symbols in conveying meaning, the semiotic theory worked hand in hand in complementing one another with the audience receptive theory which explores how individuals interpret the same text conveyed within a performance. Through humour comedians can say anything political sarcastically and evoke laugher to an audience but underneath expose and enlighten the audience on social and political concerns. The research was based on, Trevor Noah s’ That’s Racist (2012), Crazy Normal (2011) and Day Walker (2009). The analysis highlights themes such as race, corruption, poverty and bad politics as they are prevalent in most comedies done by man of colour. In this light, stand-up comedy is depicted as a viable means for social critique as it mocks the audience in a humorous way confronting issues of social importance. In this study it is also established that Trevor Noah, as a comedian, ideologically places himself to scorn the tyranny of political correctness. This is because humour protects him from any persecution when they say politically provocative and sensitive topics. In addition this study also revealed that satire in stand-up comedy is a very potent vehicle in the quest of freedom of expression, thus making the comedian a voice for the voice less communities.