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John Achkar, a standout figure in Lebanese stand-up comedy, is gearing up for a global tour starting April 14. This Is Beirut caught up with him for an exclusive interview.

Initially focusing on entrepreneurship, particularly as a leadership and communication coach, while showcasing his talent on stage, John Achkar saw a pivotal shift in his artistic career in 2022. Since then, he has fully immersed himself in stand-up comedy while continuing his original entrepreneurial endeavors.

As an unconventional artist and versatile entrepreneur, Achkar has captivated audiences not only with his sharp wit but also with his commitment to tackling sensitive topics and fostering dialogue. His upcoming tour promises hilarious moments filled with interactive exchanges, offering an extraordinary performance experience.

Interactivity is at the heart of Achkar’s artistic approach. For him, stand-up is not just about delivering jokes but engaging in an exchange that builds trust with his audience, enabling him to delve deeper into subjects and create a space for free expression. He emphasizes the importance of establishing this trust, whether on stage or on television, like in his segment on LBCI where he aims to address delicate issues in the same vein as his stand-up routines.

However, Achkar is aware of the difference between connecting with television viewers and live stand-up audiences. This is why the topics for his LBCI segments are carefully chosen by the show’s team. “The disappointments we’ve faced are significant, so it’s the right time to open this dialogue space. Social media alone is not enough,” he asserts.

This world tour, kicking off on April 14 in Doha, is particularly significant, providing Achkar an opportunity to connect with the Lebanese diaspora globally. Maintaining a strong link with this community is crucial for him. He notes that he strives to stay connected to his roots while slightly adjusting his discourse to the diverse experiences he encounters. “With the expatriates, my discourse doesn’t really change. After all, I am an expatriate myself. I just set the ideas in a way for them not to be disconnected, and I adjust slightly,” he explained to This Is Beirut.

To deepen the interaction-focused relationship he aims to build both on stage and on television, Achkar is presenting his show Chou Zake on this tour with increased maturity and perspective. He explores his new relationship with the corporate world, blending professional and personal experiences. “The most important thing is that for this show, I’ve matured a bit more on stage, finding a new way to convey various messages that the audience can identify with and respond to,” he told This Is Beirut.

The tour will start on April 14 in Arab countries, followed by Europe and then Canada. For more information, visit https://www.johnachkar.com/tour-2024-1