Korean stand-up comedian Wonho Chung, already a favourite with audiences in the Middle East for his observational comedy that's delivered in fluent Arabic, will be attempting an English set for the first time this weekend. The Dubai-based artist, who was raised as an Arab in a South Korean household in Jordan, tells us about his Saturday night show at Ductac and his hopes of hosting a television talk show in Arabic.
After eight years of Arabic-language comedy, why the move to an English set?
As time passes you become more confident as a performer. I’ve been living in the UAE for seven years and my English-speaking friends have always wanted me to do stand-up in that language. Last year, I tried a short set in English in Norway and the reception was great. All these years I thought my forte was Arabic comedy but here I had people enjoying it in English, too.
What material can we expect in this show?
It’ll be a bit of both, my Arabic jokes and new material. Not everything translates well from Arabic to English, but about 60 per cent of my material is from my Arabic routine. I will add things based on my experience as a Dubaian, as well.
As an Arabic-speaking comic you have a huge following. Are you worried about getting lost in the crowd with English comedy?
That is a concern. But now that I have established myself as a leading Arabic comedian I need to experiment with something new and see the audience reaction. If there is demand, I’ll supply more.
How have your routines changed over the years?
When you first start off as a comedian your instinct is to copy the greats and most comics become imitators in the process. There is a fine line between imitating and being inspired by someone. When I started, I was desperately trying to learn from other comedians and use their sense of humour and perspectives in my routines. But I realised that it just needs to be me and my own unique style. It is more about being sincere on stage. When I talk about my struggle of being an Asian living in the Middle East, it is relatable.
Do you think in Arabic? How does that affect the way you write your English jokes?
I’m equally fluent in both but I do think in Arabic more than English. I dream in Arabic as well. It is quite hard when you are bilingual and trying to write a set. I take down a joke and then think ‘who would laugh at this?’ I have two Excel sheets on my computer, one for Arabic comedy and the other for English.
Has there been a funny situation you like to retell on stage?
One day I had a lunch and meetings at Emirates Towers. As I walked up to the entrance, dressed in a nice suit, a Saudi national came up to me and handed me his valet ticket to fetch his car. These things happen and they bother me sometimes. We all tend to stereotype but when I vent on stage, it’s funny.
Comedy aside, what else are you working on?
I’m working with the Department of Tourism in Dubai to produce two funny videos promoting their events every month in Arabic. I’m also committed to two seasons of travel documentary that will be filmed in Europe and Asia. During Ramadan, I will be touring the Middle East, Scandinavia and Canada for shows and post-summer I am hoping to sign with a TV station for my own Arabic talk show.
• Wonho Chung Live in English is at Ductac at Mall of the Emirates on Saturday. May 2, from 8pm. Tickets cost from Dh150 and are available on www.ductac.org.
aahmed@thenational.ae
