Palestine: Peace de Resistance review – A tricky attempt to extract laughs from bleak material

Challenging Comedy in the Face of Conflict

Sami Abu Wardeh, an Irish-Palestinian performer, brings his one-man show 'Palestine: Peace de Resistance' to stages like the Pleasance Dome, where it grapples with the heavy weight of Palestinian exile, colonialism, and ongoing strife in Gaza. The production mixes stand-up routines reminiscent of Dave Allen, with the comedian seated casually sipping a drink, delivering wry one-liners about identity and displacement. But it's more than punchlines; extended storytelling forms the core, weaving a tale of Merguez, a carefree Palestinian playboy cruising the Mediterranean on a stolen yacht. His life flips when he encounters an Algerian resistance fighter during the war of independence against France. This romantic epic drives the narrative, infused with Abu Wardeh's warm voice and thoughtful delivery that never shies from brutal historical truths.

Audiences find the show passionate and epic, layering classic stand-up with puppetry, clowning, mime, and even musical interludes. Abu Wardeh's charm captivates, bouncing between silly puns, provocative lip-syncs, and sharp observations on migrancy. The performer embodies a gentle measured style, occasionally sharpening into commentary on European freedoms that fueled colonial oppression. His family history, including his father's involvement in the Palestine Liberation Organisation, threads through personal anecdotes, making the performance a heartfelt reclamation of heritage. Yet, the blend creates a tricky balance—extracting laughs from genocide and occupation demands finesse, and not all moments land evenly.

A Multifaceted Performance Packed with Layers

What sets this apart is its multi-disciplinary flair. Picture two birds puppeteered to scrutinize the front row, sparking nervous laughter amid tense reflections. Abu Wardeh channels the spirit of intifada, drawing righteous energy from current events while crafting a show hundreds of years in the making. He devised it originally for the PalArt festival in London, responding to Western struggles with appropriate reactions to the Gaza situation. A last-minute slot at the Fringe allowed broader reach. The central romance burns with intensity, contrasting ironic bar jokes like Englishman, Irishman, Palestinian quips. Physical buffoonery and a frenzied musical number punctuate the tension, highlighting Algerian mujahidah—women fighters who infiltrated French quarters disguised as Westerners to sow chaos.

“It’s about history, and women resistance fighters in Algeria, and my father, and my relationship to being Palestinian. But, first and foremost, it’s comedy,” says Abu Wardeh, underscoring the show's blend of personal and political threads.

Critical Acclaim and the Risks of Bleak Humor

Reviewers praise the wit, playfulness, and power in addressing harsh realities without flinching. It's called a tour de force, angry yet generous, radical and refined, with laughs sublimated to a greater purpose of recognition for Palestinian suffering. Abu Wardeh's skills shine in shaping stories into unforgettable performances, celebrating roots with joy and heritage. Some note the humour stems more from clowning and cheap puns than forceful stand-up, making it a tricky attempt to mine bleak material for comedy. Politically themed gags mix with light clowning and episodic love stories, occasionally veering ambiguous. Still, his captivating presence sells it, turning solidarity into an engaging Fringe experience. The show's run emphasized defiance, demanding acknowledgment of identity and homeland under oppression.

In wrapping up, 'Palestine: Peace de Resistance' stands as an ambitious, compassionate rethink of comedy's role in painful dialogues. It balances epic romance, personal exile tales, and multifaceted artistry to provoke thought and elicit laughs amid tragedy. While the path from bleakness to humour proves uneven, Abu Wardeh's generous, physically demanding portrayal leaves a lasting impact, fostering conversations on resistance, history, and the world we build together.