Watch Tig Notaro: Happy to Be Here

Tig Notaro: Happy to Be Here is a 2018 stand-up comedy film directed by Tig Notaro herself and shot at the Heights Theater in Houston, Texas. The film features a humorous yet witty performance by Tig Notaro, an American stand-up comedian, writer, and actress, who shares her life experiences with the audience, who are palpably thrilled with her set.

The film opens with a quick recapitulation of Notaro's rise to fame, including her breast cancer diagnosis - "I had cancer. I chose no to have reconstruction and it looked better than what it used to." - and how she turned that rough patch into an opportunity to become a celebrated comedian across the USA. As the audience applauds at this, Notaro jumps right into her set, entertaining the crowd with a combination of dry wit, situational humor and observational comedy.

Throughout the show, the comedian tells tales of her marriage with her wife, Stephanie; recounts stories of her beloved mother, who had just recently passed away - "I had never been to a wake that felt like a party. People were so happy in there. It felt almost like a wedding reception. It felt like my mom was hosting it." - and pokes fun at the norms of polite society.

Notaro also takes on topical issues with her own unique spins, including going to a restaurant and being served a dish with a wilted piece of spinach; the absurdity of socializing with friends and pretending everything’s alright while the world is crashing down; the millennial generation; her own identity as a lesbian woman; and the value of potty humor - "I'm 47 and I still get a kick out of a fart."

But it's not just Tig's sharp and often self-deprecating humor that makes this show unique. Throughout her performance, the comedian's demeanor is relaxed and her joy is obvious. She's easily amused by her own jokes, which only serves to strengthen the connection with the audience. Her subtle delivery and nuanced comedic timing draw the viewer in, and it's easy to hang onto every word.

There are also a few special guests who appear at different points in the show, including indie rock duo the Indigo Girls, who perform a couple of songs that resonate well with the audience. The harmonious music adds an additional layer to the already electric ambiance of the show by giving the crowd a chance to unwind from the laugh-out-loud jokes, and this helps to prevent the show from becoming formulaic.

One of the most refreshing aspects of the act is Tig's ability to laugh at herself. There are very few comedians who are able to truly take their own flaws, both physical and emotional, in stride the way that Notaro does, and this trait only serves to make the audience feel closer to her. She shares her experiences, thoughts, and feelings with an open heart and a sense of humility, that allows the audience to relate to her and thus, we are able to forgive our own imperfections.

Tig Notaro: Happy to Be Here is a joyous celebration of life, love, and laughter, and is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates good comedy. The show is a testament to Tig's talent as a comedian and her ability to keep her audiences engaged, laughing, and feeling meaningful emotions. Tig Notaro knows how to craft a punchy joke and connect it with a heartfelt emotion or observation, leading to a performance that represents a perfect mix of silly and soulful. This movie is without doubt one of Tig Notaro's best works, and proof that laughter truly is the best medicine.