Laugh festival held in South Sudan

They say that laughter is the best medicine. This was put to the test this past weekend in South^[1] Sudan’s capital Juba^[2] - where hundreds gathered at a festival called – "Let us Laugh".

Leading comedians in South Sudan^[3] had hundreds of guests in stitches at South^[4] Sudan’s first ever stand-up comedy festival held in collaboration with the United Nations Mission^[5] in South^[6] Sudan.

The stand-up comedy, "Let us Laugh" was a first, aimed at peace and healing in South^[7] Sudan. A good laugh could bring people together towards dialogue, friendship and peace.

SOUNDBITE (English) Geetha Pious, Civil^[8] Affairs Officer, United Nations Mission^[9] in South^[10] Sudan:“In the peace building it is very important for the cultural events and for the laughter as the laugh can connect people.”

South Sudanese have witnessed numerous forms of trauma for years, due to old and recent conflict. Braving the hot African afternoon sun – many who gathered - had a chance to appreciate the humor reflecting a myriad of political, economic and social issues South Sudan^[11] – as was presented by the home-bred stand-up comedians.

The comedians also poked fun at foreigners living in the country.

SOUNDBITE (English) Vivianna^[12] Nyachan , South^[13] Sudanese Musician:“It will make me to forget what happen to me, to forget our parents we lost during this war and to forget who are still suffering in Malakal^[14] today so here we tell them even on phone, I will say that, I as your musician greater one, I start laughing and forgetting. You also, I am telling you start laughing.”

Besides all the laughter – there were quiz moments aimed at passing on information about the work of the United Nations Mission^[15] in South^[16] Sudan. The event which brought together people from all walks of life, also saw musical performances by musicians and cultural groups; drama appearances; performance by the UN Chinese military contingent, with various groups of students feigning laughter which rallied the crowd to laugh some more.

A common thread throughout the numerous musical, theatrical and comic performances was the social messaging on the importance of peace, dialogue and togetherness. The resulting mix of the lighthearted and the serious went down well with the audience.

SOUNDBITE (English) Reki Emmanuel, Juba^[17] resident:“I just come here to witness the laugh festival which is taking place that is the main reason that bring me here because it is a kind of bringing unity among South^[18] Sudanese so it is a programme that has been launched today so am happy to come witness what is going on.”

Over the next few months, the stand-up comedians hope to continue to bring out the humor in times of difficulty.

STORY: SOUTH^[19] SUDAN^[20] / LAUGH FESTIVALSOURCE: UNMISSRESTRICTIONS: NONELANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 19 MARCH 2016, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN SHOTLIST 1. Pan right, tent and people sitting2. Wide shot, people sitting3. Med shot, people standing4. Close up, students sitting5. Med shot, comedian making fun on South Sudanese6. Med shot, people laughing7. Wide shot, comedian making fun of economy of South Sudan and how it is affecting people8. Med shot, people laughing9. Close up, journalists10. Close up, people laughing 11. Med shot, comedian making fun South Sudanese ladies12. Med shot, people laughing13. Close up, people laughing14. SOUNDBITE (English) Geetha Pious, Civil Affairs Officer:“In the peace building it is very important for the cultural events and for the laughter as the laugh can connect people.”15. Med shot, student’s laughing16. Wide shot, people clapping 17. SOUNDBITE (English) Vivianna Nyachan , South Sudanese Musician:“It will make me to forget what happen to me, to forget our parents we lost during this war and to forget who are still suffering in Malakal today so here we tell them even on phone, I will say that, I as your musician greater one, I start laughing and forgetting. You also, I am telling you start laughing.”18. Wide shot, students dancing 19. Med shot, students dancing20. SOUNDBITE (English) Reki Emmanuel, Juba resident:“It is a kind of bringing unity among South Sudanese so it is a programme that has been launch today so am happy to come witness what is going on.”21. Med shot, people dancing traditional danceDURATION:02:27 ^{[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41]}

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