In a country where political and economic crises seem to be perpetual, humor can often serve as a powerful tool for coping and commentary. Bernard Hage, a renowned Lebanese satirist, has taken on the mantle of providing much-needed comic relief and critical insight with his new comedy show. Through his sharp wit and astute observations, Hage dissects the complex layers of Lebanon’s myriad crises, offering audiences both laughter and reflection.
The Power of Satire in Troubled Times
Satire has always been a potent form of social and political commentary. In Lebanon, a country grappling with economic collapse, political corruption, and social unrest, satire provides a means to articulate frustrations and challenge the status quo. Bernard Hage, known for his incisive humor and fearless approach, has become a significant voice in this landscape.
Hage’s new show delves into the heart of Lebanon’s issues, from the daily struggles of its citizens to the broader systemic problems that plague the nation. His comedy doesn’t just entertain; it educates and provokes thought. By highlighting absurdities and contradictions within the political and social spheres, Hage encourages his audience to question and engage with the realities around them.
The Themes of Hage’s Comedy
- Economic Hardships: Lebanon’s economic crisis is one of the central themes of Hage’s comedy. Through humorous anecdotes and exaggerated scenarios, he highlights the challenges of inflation, unemployment, and the daily grind of making ends meet. His jokes resonate deeply with those who experience these issues firsthand, providing a sense of solidarity and shared experience.
- Political Corruption: Hage’s satire often targets the political elite, critiquing their role in Lebanon’s ongoing crises. By lampooning politicians and their often outlandish statements and actions, he brings attention to the pervasive corruption and mismanagement that have contributed to the country’s current state. His humor serves as a form of resistance, using laughter to undermine the authority of those in power.
- Social and Cultural Observations: Beyond the political and economic, Hage’s comedy also explores the social and cultural dimensions of life in Lebanon. From the quirks of daily interactions to the deep-seated cultural norms, his observations are both humorous and poignant. By reflecting on these aspects, Hage creates a comprehensive picture of Lebanese life, capturing both its challenges and its enduring spirit.
The Impact of Hage’s Comedy
Bernard Hage’s comedy has a profound impact on his audience. In a time of widespread despair and disillusionment, his humor offers a necessary escape and a means to process complex emotions. Moreover, his work fosters a sense of community, bringing people together to laugh at their shared struggles and to find strength in unity.
Hage’s show also serves as a catalyst for conversation. By addressing taboo topics and pushing the boundaries of conventional discourse, he opens up spaces for dialogue and debate. His comedy challenges audiences to think critically about their society and to envision possibilities for change.
Best known for his “The Art of Boo” cartoon series, which began as “random jokes” about Lebanese daily life on social media, Hage’s work has grown in popularity due to his creative humor that balances relatable, lighthearted comedy with sharp criticism.
In his latest project, Hage steps in front of the camera for “The Great Map of the Crisis.” Produced with the Lebanese Association for History and humanitarian group forumZFD, this five-part satirical online series—part sketch show, part documentary—aims to untangle Lebanon’s often confusing and contradictory historical context that has led to its current crises.
“For me, this project is a necessity,” Hage tells The National. “We have reached a point where we have lost our position in the chaos. We need to stop and analyze what is going on. In Lebanon, we have a talent for overcoming crises because we never discuss them. We cannot move on unless we discuss it and try to find solutions, beyond just laughing.”
Despite moving to Berlin three years ago, Hage remains deeply connected to Lebanon. He worries that many Lebanese have given up trying to understand their country’s struggles. While the current liquidity crisis began in 2019, Lebanon’s problems are far more complex and extend back decades, mired in sectarian power struggles, backroom deals, and corruption.
Even in his cartoons, Hage’s style is deliberately basic, avoiding direct identification of political figures and policies. “The root of the problem is that we don’t know our own history,” he explains. “We decided to do what most Lebanese avoid: naming people and talking about events. This isn’t about bias; it’s time to state the obvious.
“Unfortunately, most people won’t look into these topics unless they are made more accessible. Their daily lives are already tiring and hectic, so I thought a more sarcastic approach would encourage people to listen and make it easier to digest.”
Presented by Hage, alongside comedian Nadyn Chalhoub, co-creator of the web series, each episode of “The Great Map of the Crisis” addresses different aspects of Lebanon’s difficulties, corresponding to areas on Hage’s illustrated map. The satirical tone is immediately apparent, with the map itself taking the shape of a pile of excrement.
The first episode, “The Collapse,” analyzes the onset of the financial crash and Lebanon’s ongoing crisis. “The Golden Days,” the second episode, examines nostalgia and issues before 2019. “The System,” the third episode, discusses Lebanon’s main economic and political players. “The Forest of the Civil War,” the fourth episode, focuses on the Lebanese Civil War, the resulting amnesty law, and the sectarian power-sharing deal that persists in Lebanese politics. The final episode, “The Present Past,” reflects on contemporary Lebanese society.
Hage’s decision to place himself in the spotlight is a departure from his usual approach. “I started this project in 2020,” he explains. “When writing the scripts, I had to think of who could play the roles. I felt more comfortable writing something I could easily say myself.
“It was a long process, collaborating with researchers to decide on topics and present the timeline of events.
“It’s what I’ve been addressing in my cartoons and writing, so it’s liberating to express my feelings towards politics, history, and daily life in Lebanon.”
Lebanon’s situation continues to deteriorate due to internal and external factors. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has heightened tensions between Israel and Lebanon, leading to escalating aggression from both the Israeli army and Hezbollah on the Lebanese border.
“Before October 7, we discussed the possibility of war between Hezbollah and Israel and how Hezbollah uses this as an excuse to keep their weapons,” says Hage. “Throughout the project, we had to continuously update information. After October 7, we added a disclaimer instead of reshooting everything.”
By addressing Lebanon’s broken political system, even humorously, Hage hopes to engage people with their country’s issues and change the way they think about their situation.
“I want people to think critically about Lebanon’s crisis and reconsider their position towards the country,” he says. “I don’t want to lecture the Lebanese people. I want them to decide for themselves where to go from here.”
Bernard Hage’s new comedy show is more than just entertainment; it is a vital form of social commentary and a beacon of resilience in troubled times. Through his sharp satire, Hage not only provides laughter but also inspires reflection and action. In a country beset by crises, his voice is a reminder of the power of humor to confront, challenge, and ultimately, to heal.
