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Critically acclaimed comedian, Tamer Kattan arrives in Paris with his solo show

Critically acclaimed comedian, Tamer Kattan arrives in Paris with his solo show, An Alien from New York at the beautiful Le Solo Theatre in Paris on November 16, 2024. The English-language show will be a New York style late night set, beginning at 22h30.

We had the opportunity to speak with Tamer about bringing American style standup comedy to Paris.

JGC: This might sound like a strange question, but you had a good career in the US, what made you move to Europe?

Tamer: My favourite comedians have always been people who live less normal lives. If you’re not careful in this business, you can become the type of comedian who only performs, sleeps and repeats. A boring life leads to material that is uninspired and shallow. I like the challenge of starting over, especially in a city like Paris, that has such a deep and rich history with the arts. Every city has its fair share of problems, but there are very few places in the world where I feel more inspired than Paris. To sit in a café and watch people walk as I write my material is on par to a chef visiting a region and using local ingredients to make his dishes.

JGC: Is this your first time touring in Paris?

Tamer: No. I live in Berlin so, Paris is close by. I love coming here because there are a lot of great comedians who work very hard at growing the comedy scene and I’ve found Parisians to be smart, appreciative of the arts and moody. I really like moody people.

JGC: You like moody people?

Tamer: Yes! They are more aware of what’s happening in the world around them. There is a big difference between performing for people who want to laugh and people who need to laugh. It’s a more communal experience. The laughs are more cathartic. Comedy can be many things, but the bullseye is a reliever of stress, anxiety and pain.

JGC: But why comedy in Paris and not an English-speaking capital?

Tamer: This is the best hour of comedy I’ve ever written, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it’s the most vulnerable and personal comedy I’ve ever performed. The English-speaking comedy scene in Paris is special. I think I’m different than a famous comedian coming from the States or UK telling you about life over there. By living in and touring around Europe, I am sharing experiences about life HERE. Paris? The scene is new and growing. That’s exciting because it means the audiences are a part of it too. The people you see performing in Paris are not famous, but they are very close to being just that. The idea of “discovering” an act in a theatre or club before Netflix or Comedy Central does is an exciting thing for audiences and comedians alike. Being a part of this community of individual, rebellious, not-yet-famous artists is exactly the reason thousands of artists came to Paris for decades. Paris is still one of the most inspirational and creative cities in the world.

JGC: What is your show about?

Tamer: I don’t want to give too much away, but the central themes are about my experiences as an Arab-American immigrant. Moving from Egypt to the USA and what all that means to a small family that wanted a better life for their son. It also touches on being an immigrant AGAIN in Europe. Or “Expat” as people now call me, since I’ve immigrated from a wealthier country this time. It’s really a diary. Stories from my life moving from one country to another. Not once, but twice. It’s also a thank you to cities like Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome and several others that have formed my identity and added SO much to my comedy. I’m really proud of this show. It’s a funny show, but what I value even more is the people who come up to me after every show and say, “I can relate to so much of what you said up there”. That is what comedy is supposed to be for me. Laughing together and being reminded that regardless of what we might see on the news…we are all the same.

JGC: That’s very well said. I’m genuinely intrigued and look forward to checking out the show.

Tamer: Thank you. I welcome you, and everyone else who comes to say hi and take some pictures together after the show. See you in Paris!