The Middle East Institute (MEI) and comedy host Rola Z proudly present Washington, DC’s first annual ‘Traumedy’ Festival, where laughter meets healing in the most unexpected and profound ways. The two-day festival will feature evening comedy shows featuring a diverse group of comedians, including some of Arab origin, opening up about their struggles and sharing stories of heartache, loss, and adversity with raw honesty and gut-wrenching humor.
Kicking off the festival, please join us for a panel exploring the role of comedy and laughter in society in providing healing and catharsis, building community, and facilitating difficult conversations.
11:30am - 11:45am light lunch
11:45am - 1:00pm Panel Conversation and Q&A
Featuring:
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Caty Borum, award-winning media producer, director of the Center for Media & Social Impact (CMSI) at American University and author of The Revolution Will Be Hilarious: Comedy for Social Change and Civic Power (NYU Press, 2023)
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Rola Z, Lebanese-born comedian, storyteller and producer, dubbed ‘Traumedian’ by the Washingtonian (May 2023)
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Joe Marshall, actor, comedian, educator and founder of “The Comedy Lab,” a safe space where comedic artists can practice and explore with their art
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Tamara B. Sharifov, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 12-years’ experience in clinical psychology, academia, humanitarian work, conflict resolution and peacebuilding
The conversation and Q&A will be moderated by award-winning correspondent, host and journalist Rhana Natour.