29 March, 2024
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Iconic Arab-Australians: Akmal Saleh – Stand-up comedian extraordinaire
Iconic Arab-Australians: Akmal Saleh - Stand-up comedian extraordinaire

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Let’s face it, he’s done so many subjects and themes already. He’s done tattoos, family doctors, travels to Rockhampton, buying fertiliser at Bunnings (his version of offering affection to his wife’s needs) V8 supercars and things so Aussie you know it was he who invented lamington baklava.

At the age of 11, Akmal Saleh’s parents gathered up their children and left Egypt headed for Australian shores. Growing up in Sydney, Akmal began to recognize the differences between his Arab heritage and the Australian way of life, a dynamic that would lead Saleh to express just how problematic wanting to buy a bag of fertilizer at the time of the Manchester terror attack really was.

Irreverence that, ironically, makes both fun of himself and his own judgment, and the culture around him. But as the late renowned comedian Robin Williams fans observed, often there are serious issues or themes threading through comedy and stand-up routines. That underneath the gags and the swear words and the craziness, seriously hurt and feelings of isolation and acceptance can reside.  And so for many Arab Australians, there are expressions of such sentiments in their laughter, their writing and their artistry.

“Sometimes you got to take the opportunity that presents itself” and that’s really an art that Akmal has perfected. He’s toured with international greats and become, as many Arab Australians have also become, part of the Aussie cultural dynamic.

COVID had closed down many entertainment venues and events but you can catch Akmal on Saturday, Nov 27 at Byron Bay, Saturday, Dec 4 at Hornsby, Thursday, Dec 9 at Geelong, and more. You can see further dates and purchase tickets at https://alist.com.au/artists/akmal-saleh/

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