The Englert will host a critically acclaimed one-man comedy show depicting the Indian-American Muslim experience.
By Brett Shaw
In today’s contentious political climate, a touring comedy show brings light to the underrepresented voice of Indian-American Muslim experiences.
Hasan Minhaj, a comedian and correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” will perform his Off-Broadway show Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King at the Englert Theater, 221 E. Washington St., at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The one-man show is a series of stories based on events from Minhaj’s life, including racism, bullying, and striving to achieve the American Dream. Minhaj transforms his early life struggles into a meaningful narrative, giving audiences a refreshing comedic insight and understanding of what he calls “the new brown America.”
The New York Times described Minhaj as having a “genial stage presence that makes you glad to be in his company and eager to hear what he has to say.”
For those looking for a preview of Minhaj’s captivating stories, the show’s website features a commencement address to his former high school, in which he describes a bully peeing in his Nikes — a tragic, hilarious, and rather inspiring tale.
Minhaj’s work on “The Daily Show” covers various political topics; many of his segments discuss issues facing the Muslim community. Following President Trump’s initial proposal of an immigration ban covering seven mostly Muslim nations, Minhaj satirically supported the idea, stating that America is unsafe for Muslims.
“One-third of a major political party in America is backing a racist maniac,” he said in the segment. “This place is scary right now, and that’s why Trump said we cannot allow any Muslims in this country until we figure out what the hell is going on.”
Minhaj also discusses his concerns facing Indians, Muslims, and other minority groups on his YouTube show “The Truth.”
He takes on a much angrier and critical persona in this show, tackling topics such as mosque shootings and brown face in mainstream media.
Minhaj and many other comedians often speak out against injustices that they see affecting them and others. While political comedy may encourage and educate those who agree with the comic, Megan Gogerty, a University of Iowa instructor of comedy, believes that nobody’s minds are actually changed.
“What [political comedy] does do is aid and comfort your allies and allow you to conceptualize and reduce a large idea into something you carry in your pocket,” she said.
When critiquing racism in his sets, Minhaj probably does not change the minds of racists. He instead rallies his supporters and lays out problems in a more comprehensive manner.
“In regards to being Muslim [in Trump’s America], I think this is a ‘yuge’ opportunity to reach out and find allies,” said Minhaj in an interview with Comedy Central. “And the incredible thing is that, from the Women’s March to the travel ban, I’ve seen people of all communities coming together and standing up for one another.”
Iowa City is predominantly white, meaning many audience members may have a difficult time identifying with Minhaj’s jokes and experiences. This, however, provides an excellent opportunity to teach and connect individuals.
“The potential for somebody like Hasan Minhaj to be really subversive is very potent,” Gogerty said. “He is not going to have a majority audience that shares his background and cultural experiences. If he can get us to agree with him, if he can get us to meet him where he is, it can be very powerful.”