It’s been a good year for Tig Notaro historians. First came Knock Knock, It’s Tig Notaro, in March, a Showtime documentary that followed the comedian as she performed in non-venues across the country. Four months later, Netflix released Tig, a more conventional doc that delved into many of the deeply personal circumstances that have fueled her comedy. And this Saturday the 22nd, HBO will be airing her first-ever stand-up special, Tig Notaro: Boyish Girl Interrupted — which, while not a documentary, is sure nevertheless to be revealing (what with her comedy being deeply personal).
To round out the informational mix, we’re publishing an unreleased video from a screening of Notaro’s short film, “Clown Service,” at this year’s Vulture Festival. After showing the short, she spoke with Alex Jung about topics including her unlikely idols, damaging the stage at a Conan taping, and why comedy shouldn’t feel safe: “When you’re on the edge, it’s the most exciting, and you really get the thrill.” Perhaps most intriguing was the revelation that “Clown Service” — which revolves around a woman who hires a party clown to cheer her up after a bad breakup — stems from a past experience of Notaro’s. You can see the interview in full above — and then be sure to check out Boyish Girl Interrupted this weekend (or anytime thereafter, as we do).
