Janine Harouni is a comedian known for her sharp wit and heartfelt humor. After a successful debut at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, where she earned a Best Newcomer nomination, Harouni is returning with her sophomore show, “Man’oushe,” despite being heavily pregnant.
How is Janine Preparing for the Fringe?
Harouni is determined to perform as many work-in-progress gigs as possible before the birth of her baby. She acknowledges the challenges of pregnancy and uses humor to cope. “Pregnancy is weird and scary and hard and gross – and very, very funny,” she shares. Her upcoming show will delve into her Arabic heritage and personal experiences, paralleling her life with her grandmother’s journey as a classical Arabic singer.
What is “Man’oushe” About?
“Man’oushe” explores Harouni’s Arabic roots and her pregnancy, weaving together themes of life and loss. The show promises to be a blend of sharp humor and genuine emotion, reflecting Harouni’s unique style. Her grandmother’s DNA test results also play a part in the narrative, adding an element of mystery and personal discovery.
What Was Janine’s Debut Show?
Harouni’s debut show, “Stand Up with Janine Harouni (Please Remain Seated),” focused on her complex relationship with her conservative parents, particularly her father, who supported Trump. Her comedy often draws from her upbringing in Staten Island, with her New York accent adding a distinctive flavor to her performances.
How Does Harouni Approach Comedy?
Harouni prefers to create comedy that is personal and timeless, avoiding the fast-paced, meme-driven humor that dominates social media. She believes in finding humor in life’s challenges and aims to make people feel good through her shows. Her comedy is infused with warmth and hope, as she strives to highlight the good in everyone.
What Role Does Family Play in Harouni’s Comedy?
Family is a central theme in Harouni’s work. Her father’s enthusiastic but unsolicited PR efforts and her family’s support are recurring elements in her narrative. Harouni’s love for her family is evident, and she enjoys sharing their quirks and stories with the world. Her humor often reflects the dynamics and complexities of family relationships.
What are Harouni’s Thoughts on Collaboration?
As part of the comedy trio Muriel, Harouni values collaboration. She finds joy in working with her partners, Sally O’Leary and Meg Salter. Writing with others offers relief from the frustrations of solo work, and she appreciates the creative synergy that comes from collaboration. Harouni’s solo stand-up also benefits from audience feedback, which she welcomes, even when it’s unconventional.
What Other Roles Has Harouni Played?
Harouni also stars as Thalia on ITV’s “Buffering,” showcasing her versatility as an actor. Balancing solo stand-up and collaborative projects, she navigates a diverse career with enthusiasm. Her experience in acting enriches her stand-up performances, adding depth and variety to her comedy.
How Did Harouni Start Her Stand-Up Career?
Harouni transitioned to stand-up comedy in her late twenties. Turning 30 marked a pivotal moment for her, motivating her to pursue her long-held dream of performing stand-up. Her initial hesitation gave way to a successful debut and a growing career in comedy.
What are Harouni’s Plans for the Future?
Harouni’s pregnancy adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge to her upcoming Fringe performance. With her due date just weeks after the festival, she plans to book early shows to avoid any surprises. Despite the pandemic disrupting her 2019 tour, she is set to tour “Man’oushe” in Europe, India, and the USA next year, baby in tow.
How Does Harouni Balance Comedy and Parenthood?
Harouni humorously addresses the potential challenges of raising a child as a comedian. She hopes her child will inherit a sense of humor but is prepared to accept them as they are. Her realistic and light-hearted approach to parenthood mirrors her comedic style, embracing the uncertainties and joys of life.
What Can Audiences Expect from “Man’oushe”?
“Man’oushe” promises to be a memorable show, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. Harouni’s unique perspective on pregnancy, heritage, and family will resonate with audiences. Whether her baby arrives early or not, Harouni’s Fringe performance is set to be a standout event, showcasing her talent and resilience.
In “Man’oushe,” Janine Harouni continues to captivate audiences with her blend of humor and genuine emotion, proving that even in challenging times, laughter remains a powerful and unifying force.
