comedy

In Damascus, stand-up comedians test the limits under a new government

Syria

Comedians in Syria see a new moment for their art form. With the regime that stifled dissent under former President Bashar al-Assad gone, they have been putting together performances at cafes and clubs across Damascus and telling jokes that were previously unthinkable.

Anton Tymoshenko use jokes as a ‘defense mechanism’ as part of his wartime stand-up comedy

Arts, Culture & Media

The rocky road to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Arts, Culture & Media
Comedian Hari Kondabolu grabs audiences with sketches on race, identity and politics.

How to crack a joke in Trump’s America

Arts
Isaura Ramirez

From open fire to open mic: Comic and war vet Isaura Ramirez makes the transition

Arts
Host Brian Moses stands between two warring comics at the Comedy Store's Roast Battle.

If you think comedy roasts are offensive, you haven’t seen anything yet

Arts

The roast is a sacred tradition for stand-up comedians – maybe a little too sacred. The form remained essentially unchanged from the classic Friars Club roasts of the 1960s and 70s, but a group of comics is taking the tradition to new heights — and even more insulting places — with Roast Battle.

Why What’s Funny in China Might Surprise You

Arts, Culture & Media

Nothing translates as badly as humor and the more different the foreign language the less funny the joke it seems. So how can we in the US understand Chinese humor? The World’s Nina Porzucki recently went to China to figure it out.

Egyptian Comedian Bassem Youssef Meets His Hero On The Daily Show

Global Politics

A former Cairo heart surgeon has become a sensation in Egypt for his Daily Show-like satirical internet program. Bassem Youssef credits Jon Stewart as one of his heros. Thursday night, Youssef appeared on the program.

Standup Comedy in Pakistan Gains A Following

Lifestyle & Belief

In Pakistan, standup comedy is catching on as a form of entertainment. As Fahad Desmukh reports from Karachi, country’s problems provide a wealth of material for comedians.

Dame Edna to Retire

Arts, Culture & Media

Dame Edna Everage, a lilac-wig wearing character created by Australian comedian Barry Humphries is set to retire. Humphries announced Monday that he is retiring the character.