DUBAI: Lebanese comedian John Achkar will make history on Oct. 23 with the first-ever Arabic-language stand-up comedy performance at the L’Olympia theater in Paris.
The special, titled “TRYIN’ (AAM JARRIB),” is produced by Front Row Filmed Entertainment.
Often described as the cathedral of French live entertainment, L’Olympia has hosted top international comedy figures including Chris Rock, Gad Elmaleh and Eddie Izzard.
The special follows Achkar’s 75-city global tour, which included stops in Beirut, Riyadh, Dubai, Cairo, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Geneva, Berlin and Sydney.
His performance will reportedly touch on themes of identity, family, and belonging across the Arab world and its diaspora, using humor to highlight everyday experiences and connect audiences from different backgrounds.
“Contrary to Western belief, the Middle East isn’t one audience. It’s a mosaic of countries, cultures, and dialects that rarely laugh at the same thing,” said Gianluca Chakra, CEO of Front Row Filmed Entertainment.
“John managed to crack that space without ever diluting his voice. He’s toured more than 75 cities, filled every room, and found the universal pulse that unites Arabs everywhere through pure, honest comedy.”
Achkar said: “For me, stepping on the stage at L’Olympia is about proving that Arab comedy deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.
“Our stories, our struggles, and our laughter belong on the biggest stages, because humor is a language that everyone understands.”
