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.
Over the two-night festival, a diverse group of comedians, including some of Arab origin, will open up about their struggles, sharing stories of heartache, loss and adversity with raw honesty and gut-wrenching humor. Join us for a journey of self-discovery and catharsis where every punchline is a step towards healing.
The festival program includes a panel discussion on the role of comedy in healing with leading experts on Friday, May 17 at MEI followed by two nights of comedy on Friday, May 17 (MEI) and Saturday, May 18 (BusBoys and Poets).
This project is supported in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Traumedy Shows
Friday, May 17th at 7:00pm
Middle East Institute
1763 N St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
Enjoy our opening night of stand up comedy and dark humor hosted by Lebanese-born Rola Z who will be joined by fellow comedians speaking about their struggles, sharing stories of loss and challenges with raw honesty and gut-wrenching humor. The show invites you on a journey of self-discovery and catharsis, where every punchline is a step towards healing.
Purchase Tickets
Saturday, May 18th at 7:00pm
Busboys & Poets
2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Join us for the second night of the Traumedy festival at Busboys and Poets in Anacostia where Lebanese-born Rola Z returns to the stage with fellow comedians. As they confront their pain and struggles through laughter and comedy, their performances and humor help break down barriers, build connections and dissolve pain.
Purchase Tickets ($15)
Panel Event
Friday, May 17th- 11:30am - 1:00pm
Middle East Institute
1763 N St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
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. 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.
11:30am - 11:45am light lunch
11:45am - 1:00pm Panel Conversation and Q&A
Register to Attend (Free)
Presented With
With the Support of
