Mar 5 • 08:01 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Comedian Sander Õigus: In Estonia, dark themes are also laughed at

Comedian Sander Õigus discusses Estonia's unique dark sense of humor, which allows for laughter even in grim contexts.

Stand-up comedian Sander Õigus shared insights about Estonia's distinctive humor on the show "Ringvaates," claiming that Estonians tend to laugh at particularly dark themes, an aspect that often elicits sympathy from others, such as Australians. He pointed out that there is a significant amount of trauma embedded within the society, which contributes to a complex landscape of humor that engages with serious and sometimes distressing subjects.

Recalling his early days in stand-up, Õigus humorously lamented how he misinterpreted the format during his first show fifteen years ago. He described how he performed for an hour without fully understanding stand-up comedy's expectations, following a musician who played pirate songs. It wasn't just a learning experience; it was a daunting entry into the world of comedy that helped shape his perspective.

The origins of his career trace back to a promise to fellow comedian Margus Tsahkna at a drunken moment, where he committed to perform at Tsahkna's election café. This experience, although initially daunting for Õigus, propelled him into the stand-up scene, suggesting how unique circumstances can lead to significant opportunities, especially in the context of Estonian cultural humor.

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