GAZA STRIP

Gaza plans first comedy festival

March 1, 2017

The Palestinian territory plans its first comedy festival with the stated purpose of calling attention to the Gaza Strip and relaying the message that it is full of life, culture and art.

The organizer, Mahmoud Madi, the director of Maimas for Media Production, told Al Monitor that it will feature stand-up comedians, will be modeled on comedy festivals organized in Arab capitals and specifically aim to attract young participants.

The regional publication also reported that at the ceremony in January where the plan was announced, Korean stand-up comedian Wonho Chung, who speaks fluent Arabic, performed a short routine. In a previously recorded video, he expressed his admiration for the residents of the Gaza Strip, according to the publication, and praised their steadfastness in the face of the siege and harsh living conditions. He added that comedy and laughter are powerful ways to ease the pain and grief of everyday reality.

#22000 Published: January 11, 2017