Fatally Funny: Tig Notaro Finds Humor in the Face of Death in First Trailer for Tig

In many ways, comedians are some of the art world’s darkest philosophers, using a more palpable platform in order to deeply critique and ponder the most universal of questions.

For comedian Tig Notaro, those reflections have been matters of life and dearth.

“Good evening. Hello. I have cancer.” With these opening words in a 2012 performance at Largo in Los Angeles, Tig took the comedy world by raw and unapologetic storm. In a four-month period previous to the now-legendary show, the comedian had suffered a debilitating and mysterious illness, lost her mother, and learned of her own breast cancer diagnosis. Needless to say, so much personal tumult changed her irrevocably and, in turn, would contribute to her brazen yet passionate performing prowess.

“As soon as I was diagnosed, everything came over me as funny,” said Notaro.

And next month, Netflix will be exclusively releasing an original documentary that follows the comedian during this time of pain and comedy, tragedy and relief. In Tig, Viewers will follow Notaro through her darkest days, as she comes to terms with the sudden loss of her mother, recovers from a double mastectomy, faces fertility issues and finds love with now-fiance Stephanie Allynne.

Co-directed by Kristina Goldsby and Ashley York, the documentary will also feature appearances by fellow comedians Ed Helms, Sarah Silverman and Zach Galifianakis, among others, and will premiere on July 17.

“I loved stand-up so much, I wanted to do it one more time,” the 44-year old comedian, writer and radio contributor explains in the film’s official trailer (seen above).

“This is what being alive is all about.”