Bask in comic Bassem Youssef’s hilarious truth-to-power satire at Houston Improv

Bassem Youssef | Photo courtesy of Houston Improv

Catch comedian Bassem Youssef—dubbed the Jon Stewart of the Arab World—when he plays five socially distanced shows at Houston Improv from Friday, February 19 to Sunday, February 21, 2021.

Youssef was once the host of popular political satire TV show AlBernameg, which was the first of its kind in the Middle East. Originally a five-minute show on YouTube, it became the first online-to-TV conversion in the Middle East and the most watched show across the region with 30 million viewers every week.

Throughout its three seasons AlBernameg remained controversial through its humorous yet bold criticism of the ruling powers, which led to tens of lawsuits being filed against the show and its host. Youssef was even issued an arrest warrant in March 2013 and turned himself in the next day where he was questioned for five hours and released on bail.

Youssef has recently released a book about his experience Revolution for Dummies: Laughing Through the Arab Spring where he gives different perspectives and insights on the Egyptian political scene through the Arab spring and after.

Youssef majored in cardiothoracic surgery, passed the United States Medical License Exam (USMLE) and is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS). He practiced cardiothoracic surgery in Egypt for 13 years, before moving into comedy and political satirism.

All guests will be seated at their own table for their small group, socially distanced from other attendees. Masks are required when not eating or drinking at your own private table for your party. Seating is limited at 50% capacity. Click here for more information about Houston Improv’s COVID-19 precautions.

Comedian Bassem Youssef at Houston Improv

This article has been sponsored by the event organizer. Per our advertising and sponsorship policy, we only accept sponsored content from organizations that meet our editorial standards and truly present a valuable activity, event, resource or destination for residents and visitors across the greater Houston area. Advertising revenue helps support 365 Things to Do in Houston, and our contributors, allowing us to expand our coverage of activities and events around the Houston area. Learn more about promoting your event or business

Previous articleJourney through Black history with The Ensemble Theatre’s I, Too, Am America on Vimeo
Next articleCheck out a Houston-based dark comedy when The Curse of Professor Zardonicus premieres on Amazon Prime
Sponsored Spotlight
Sponsored Spotlight stories are paid promotional placements, purchased by local event organizers and businesses to promote their events, products and services. To advertise, these organizations must meet our editorial standards and truly present a valuable activity, event, resource or destination for Houston area residents and visitors. This advertising revenue directly supports 365 Things to Do in Houston and our contributors, allowing us to expand our coverage of activities and events around the Houston area. Click here to learn more about advertising your event, business, product or service.