Spirit Of

EPISODE 5

THE SPIRIT OF SATIRE

It can ruin careers, destroy reputations and can even provoke violent protest. Satire is proof that the pen can sometimes be deadlier than the sword.

The history and the definition of satire, a form of humor that dates back to Roman times. CNN’s Becky Anderson talks to some of its most prominent exponents, the political cartoonist Steve Bell and the illustrator Gerald Scarfe, as well as Britain’s top satirical writer/producer Armando Ianucci.

As satire is a form of criticism it can often face political opposition. Two Iranian satirists give us their views on humour and censorship. Omid Djalili is currently one of the darlings of the comedy stand up circuit, his humour drawing heavily on his Iranian upbringing.

Seyyed Ebrahim Nabavi – now exiled in Belgium after twice being arrested and imprisoned in Iran for his writing – tells us what inspires him.

Alongside this we follow the progress of a fringe theatre show as it prepares to host a satirical show looking at the life and times of Princess Diana.