Gad El Maleh will perform his latest show titled “Lui-Même” (Himself), on September 25, 26, 27, and 28 at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca. This show is more intimate and authentic than his previous ones, with which the comedian has been touring the world for nearly two years.
The Moroccan audience will see an authentic and calm Gad El Maleh on stage in Casablanca – his hometown – by the end of the month. A new show skillfully blending introspection and hilarious punchlines, through which the comedian manages to lay bare his most personal reflections on life, while revealing himself as never before.
The show, simply titled “Lui-Même” (Himself) and co-written with Roman Frayssinet, tells the story of a fifty-something man. It focuses on the setbacks he encounters once he passes this milestone. “In my new show, I tell the story of a fifty-something man in search of happiness who tries everything to find it. It is an autobiographical show based on my own reality “, said Gad.
In this new show, the comedian tackles sensitive and delicate topics such as money and religion, in the same vein as his film “Reste un peu” (Stay a While), released in 2022. These themes were inspired by his stay in a monastery and his meeting with the Pope. “Moroccans cultivate a sense of brotherhood towards the different monotheistic religions, which is not necessarily the case for other nationalities”, the comedian pointed out. “Through this show, I want to convey a message of interfaith peace. In my opinion, if we want to move towards universal peace, each of us must show tolerance, regardless of our religion”, said El Maleh.
The king of French-language comedy will also touch on some more personal aspects of his life in the show, including getting older, poking fun at his increasingly “worrying” visits to the eye doctor, for example. “I wanted to gently poke fun at turning 50 and the issues associated with that age, while presenting it as a form of wisdom that allows you to see life differently”, El Maleh was keen to point out.
Another subject dear to the artist, which he will highlight in his show, is the CopyComic affair, the mysterious YouTuber who managed to pin down many French comedy stars, accusing them of plagiarism in 2019, including Gad El Maleh.
The sketches that will be performed will be specially adapted for the Moroccan audience. “Whether in the U.S., Morocco, or French-speaking regions, I always try to adapt my sketches to the culture of the country in which I am performing. For this show, I have therefore planned to address topics specific to Morocco, Casablanca, and the Moroccan audience”, the comedian points out. “Adapting your humor is not easy. You have to stay informed about all the latest developments, while taking care to avoid clichés”, he continues. “A personal touch that flatters and consistently touches the audience”, concludes Gad El Maleh.
A microphone on a stand
For the first time in his career, Gad El Maleh does not appear on the poster for his show. The audience can only see a microphone on a stand. This choice was made in line with the introspective nature of this new show, in which the comedian no longer seeks fame by putting himself in the spotlight, but instead focuses on fully conveying his message.
Karim AGOUMI
“Moroccan stand-up comedy will experience significant growth in the coming years”
Gad El Maleh, humoriste (Ph. Jarfi)
– The Economist: What is your view of Morocco more than three decades after leaving it?
– Gad El Maleh: I am particularly confident about the future of comedy in Morocco and remain convinced that Moroccan stand-up comedy will experience significant growth in the coming years. Alongside veterans of the scene such as Hanane Fadili, Hassan El Fed, and Asmaa El Arabi, there are some real Moroccan talents waiting to emerge, whether in French-speaking or Arabic-speaking comedy. This is an initiative that has been underway for several years through the Comedia Blanca festival, co-founded by Saad Lahjouji and Myriam Bouyad, which has already brought promising talents such as Mimo Lazrak and Ethan Lallouz to the fore, and which I will be supporting as a sponsor in future editions.
– In your new show, “Lui-Même,” you play the authenticity and introspection card, revealing yourself to the audience like never before and simply appearing as “yourself.” Why this change of course?
– When we reach a certain age, we turn inward without becoming egocentric. I’m more interested in others today and I try to be a better person, with all the complexity that entails. To achieve this, I’ve been going on more spiritual retreats in recent years. In particular, I took part in the Hoffman seminar in the United States. It was an experience that had a profound effect on me, during which I had to do without my cell phone for over a week.
– How do you see the Gad of the future?
– In the future, I plan to focus more on passing on my knowledge. Real knowledge, not just a posture, through which I can feel more useful to society and focused on self-fulfillment. I have already opened several comedy clubs in France with this in mind. By “launching” these young talents, I feel like I am fulfilling myself. It is a beneficial experience on all levels, and I hope to transpose it to Morocco soon.
Interview by Karim AGOUMI