Laughter

Laughter is a physical reaction in humans and some other species of primate, consisting typically of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. It is a response to certain external or internal stimuli. Laughter can arise from such activities as being tickled, or from humorous stories or thoughts. Most commonly, it is considered a visual expression of a number of positive emotional states, such as joy, mirth, happiness, relief, etc. On some occasions, however, it may be caused by contrary emotional states such as embarrassment, apology, or confusion such as nervous laughter or courtesy laugh. Age, gender, education, language, and culture are all factors as to whether a person will experience laughter in a given situation.

Laughter is a part of human behavior regulated by the brain, helping humans clarify their intentions in social interaction and providing an emotional context to conversations. Laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group — it signals acceptance and positive interactions with others. Laughter is sometimes seen as contagious, and the laughter of one person can itself provoke laughter from others as a positive feedback. This may account in part for the popularity of laugh tracks in situation comedy television shows.

Anthony McCarten

Anthony McCarten (born 1961) is a New Zealand-born novelist, filmmaker and playwright. He lives in London and Los Angeles.

Early life

McCarten was born and raised in New Plymouth, New Zealand. He worked as a reporter for a couple of years on The Taranaki Herald before studying for an Arts degree at Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington, where he studied creative writing with Bill Manhire. After leaving university, McCarten played in a production of King Lear.

Career

A double Academy Award nominated and double BAFTA winning screenwriter and film producer of the film The Theory Of Everything, as well as a celebrated novelist, he received early international success with his play Ladies Night. Translated into twelve languages, it remains New Zealand's most commercially successful play of all time, and it continues to play worldwide. In 2001, it won France's premiere theatre award for comedy, the Molière Prize. In 2015 he was inducted as a Literary Fellow of the New Zealand Society of Authors.