Live from Beirut it's...Adel Karam!

IT'S NETFLIX'S FIRST local production out of the Middle East, an honour which falls to comedian and actor Adel Karam. The Adel Karam: Live from Beirut comedy special has dropped on the platform to its members all around the world.
In it Adel goes back to his hometown to appear at Beirut's renowned Casino du Liban where his standup pokes fun at everything from relationships to regional social issues with his distinctly local blend of smart, sarcastic humour. Jokes such as how Lebanese people love kissing each other, their passion for food, hospital classifications, marriage advice and more will have you bent double with laughter.
We spoke to the man himself to find out more.
How does it feel to be part of Netflix's first locally-made Middle East production?
It's a great feeling as an Arab to have been chosen by a great international platform such as Netflix and be able to reach the 300 million Arabs worldwide.
Do you believe putting Arabic humour up on a global platform shows the region in a more positive light? Do you think comedy transcends borders and is the best way to bring people together?
I am personally somebody who loves to make people laugh and see the smiles on faces. Comedy is very important to me as much as my acting career, but in my opinion today, being able to bring together both the Western and Arab worlds into one platform is a massive opportunity never done before and at a time where it is most needed.
Is it fair to say there is a global sense of humour, or is it very regionalised? Did you tailor your jokes in any way to make them more accessible?
Of course there is a global sense of humour. My style is more or less based on Western humour, sometimes bold but of course delivered in Arabic. I don't tailor at all. I try to remain myself and as my fans have always liked me. Humour is something that you like or dislike but I believe being myself is a key to my followers and fans. Let's wait and see the opinions of the viewers who will discover my comedy and me after the launch of the show.
Would you say Lebanon is a leading voice for a more progressive Middle East? Why do you believe Lebanon holds such a position?
If I would have been asked this question 10 years ago I would have said maybe yes but today the whole Middle East is changing, progressing and opening up to more opportunities. The best example is the project with Netflix and the Western world coming to the Arab world.
How did you feel just before and during the recording? At what point did you begin to enjoy the experience?
The whole process is enjoyable and super exciting. The fact that the viewership is going to be by far bigger and more diversified makes it very exciting. I can't wait for the feedback.
Are you a Netflix fan? What shows are you into?
I am a Netflix freak.I can't name a specific show as I watch them all: The Crown is great, Orange is the New Black, Sense 8 but soon on Netflix social media you will see my opinion on a couple of Netflix originals, so stay tuned!
Which comedians do you appreciate/ have been an influence? Did Netflix ever bring a comedian to your attention you'd never heard of that you'd enjoyed?
I would not name just one or two comedians that I watched or have influenced me, but in general each comedian has their style and a personalised one. We can't compare a comedian to another, each are very different but I can assure you I was able to get acquainted with new names.
What are your thoughts on Dubai?
I am a big fan of Dubai, its diversity, a fast growing city, so cosmopolitan and I have noticed that comedy in Dubai is very appreciated, so to all Dubai readers: log on to Netflix and enjoy the show.
david@khaleejtimes.com