Skip to main content

Where Cairenes go just for laughs

Stand-ups in Cairo ease the sometimes grim reality of everyday life in their chaotic megalopolis.
comedyegypt.jpg

CAIRO — Guffaws from the third floor of a large building echo along Adly Street in downtown Cairo on a cool March evening. The main hall at 9 Adly Street, a comedy club that takes its name from its address, is packed with people of all ages, sitting at tables or standing, laughing and chuckling at the familiar picture of daily life painted by the young stand-up comedian on stage.

From the stage, Islam Amin laments the obligation and paradox of Egyptian grooms having to buy expensive gifts for his fiancee and her entire family, a hot topic these days in Egypt.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.