The furore over a comedian’s cancelled show in Bahrain about Palestine was the result of a hotel’s administrative bungle, the GDN has uncovered.
Amer Zahr wrongly announced on his social media platform that the government had ‘rejected’ a permit for the performance of his April show ‘The Truth’ when the facts of the matter were far less controversial.
In a letter to his management team seen by the GDN from the red-faced host venue, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Bahrain, a sincere apology was made to the star.
Apparently accurate information in reference to obtaining an artist visa and performance permission ‘was not provided’ by a staff member which resulted in a delay in the process and cancellation of the event set for April 19.
He was speaking with a map of 1948 Palestine in the background. “I’m really bummed out because we were working with so many great people on the ground to promote the show,” the comedian added.
Regional newspapers took his accusations at face value but it appears the comedian had not been made fully aware of the circumstances before posting his rant.
Zahr’s comedy often stems from his experiences growing up in the US as the son of Palestinian refugees.
His performances often touch on political and societal issues, while exploring Palestinian culture, identity and experiences.
He has performed in some prestigious venues in the US, including Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington.
In 2013, he established the 1001 Laughs Dearborn Comedy Festival, an annual event that spotlights Palestinian comedians.
Besides his work in comedy, Zahr is also a writer and academic.
It is hoped that his tour will eventually include Bahrain and hotel bosses hope it will be offered a ‘second chance’ to make amends.
The GDN has reached out to the comedian for comment and official sources confirmed that the authorities had no involvement whatsoever in the cancellation of the show.
managingeditor@gdnmedia.bh
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