Bringing laughter to Bahrain

Nemr Abou Nassar is widely recognized as Lebanon's pioneer of Stand Up Comedy. Having started the scene on his own with passion, drive and talent, Nemr is quickly becoming recognized as the Middle East's very own leading Stand Up Comedian.

From performing with the Axis of Evil in Lebanon, and Showtime Arabia's 'Friday Night Live: Minorities Rule!" to selling out his own feature shows at the Casino du Liban theatre in Lebanon this rising comedian has done it all, as well as having his own hit radio show.

Where are you from, where do you live?

I am from Lebanon, and I currently live in Lebanon. I did, however, live in the US from 1985 until 1993.

How long have you been in comedy?

I have been a comedian most all my life, whether it was in class, in parties, or just hanging out with friends. In terms of doing it professionally as a stand up comedian I first started out in 2003 by taking the stage several times a year to host and entertain at my university's concerts - the American University of Beirut (AUB)

Being Lebanese and deciding to be a comedian - an unusual career choice - how did your family handle it?

Indeed it was, when I first started out few, if any, believed in the ability for it to succeed, and my parents were worried that I might be wasting my time. However, now the situation is much different and they are overjoyed with my success! I would like to note that my parent's attitude was something I considered to be special due to their concern and I take comfort in knowing they are always looking after me and worrying about my future. My sister believed in it and was there for me from the beginning.

Do you think people expect you to be funny all the time?

To be honest, people have been so supportive of me, and they have been continuously, all the time, that for me being funny in return all the time is an honour and a pleasure, not a nuisance. If all they ask for in return is for my effort to make them laugh, I hope I will always have the ability to because nothing makes me happier.

Where do you get your material?

My material is drawn from everyday life, experiences we all live and go through, from relationships to financial situations to parents and families to driving and being a superhero, anything goes as long as it's something we can all relate to. Take anything normal, sprinkle some imagination and flare, and you've got yourself a hilarious set up!

Being a comic in the Middle East, do you feel restricted by censorship? Censorship is highly restrictive, but Stand Up Comedy is something new to the region and it is here to stay for future generations, there is no rush to have a full blown no hold barred comedy scene, rather easing in is not so bad, censorship is there for a reason and although it hurts some of us with good intentions and innocently entertaining sets, it will prevent those with alternate agenda's from hurting the art form so I am not against it, however, I do get agitated by the censorship issue as it keeps us from really diving into a lot of matters, but with a will to get people laughing you learn to work within the guidelines.

What's the difficult thing about being a comedian?

Being able to make others laugh when you might be feeling sad. In other words being continuously able to tap in to your ability to make others laugh no matter what might be going on in your life.

What's your advice for aspiring comedians?

This industry teaches you how to struggle and to fight for your goals, so fight like you've never fought before, nothing comes easy. And read novels, magazines, research, documents, philosophy, anything and everything you can get your hands on.

Your show's are quite interactive, do you find your audiences cooperative?

Not always, but its my job to get them cooperative, if I can't I see it as a failure on my part to engage the crowd and I work on making sure that doesn't happen again.

What would you categorize your comic style?

Hilarious. Well that's what my mother tells me, so I see that as the most fitting! In terms of traditional style I mix so many different types I really don't know how to categorize myself, I have several clips on my website and I guess checking them out would be the best way to see exactly what I'm about, the address is www.nemrcomedy.com

Is there anywhere in the world you would aspire to perform?

Anywhere where people need to laugh.

What's next for Nemr Abou Nassar?

We are organising a world tour and should be announcing the dates for the entire schedule as soon as February, also my TV show will be hitting pan Arab TV very soon, and all I can say at the moment is we are looking to revolutionise the media industry and set the standard. Expect whatever it takes to spread more laughter to those who could use it, and with it more unity to a region that has yet to experience it.

Don't miss Nemr's first appearance ever in Bahrain at Club Seven on Thursday, November 27. Doors open at 8:00pm Show starts at 9:00pm. Tickets are on sale now at Coral Beach Club, JJ's Irish Pub and Club Seven. Seats are limited. Call 39649590 for more information.