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Dubai: Max Amini says 'there are always red lines' but comedy has come long way in region
As comedians increasingly address political or social issues on stage, Amini is careful not to frame it as an obligation. 'They’re not responsible to do it; it’s a choice,' he said
Comedy has long been treated as a neutral space, a place where audiences could escape politics and global tension, even if only for an hour. That expectation is now changing. Across global stages, comedians are increasingly weaving political issues, identity, and real-time events into their performances, pausing punchlines to reflect what is happening beyond the room.
That shift is reflected in the work of Max Amini, an Iranian-American comedian whose recent performances and social media posts have focused on Iran, where nationwide protests have intensified in recent days.
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Five days ago, Amini shared a video from one of his stand-up shows in which he pauses mid-set to speak directly about Iran. In the clip, he steps away from jokes to praise the courage of the Iranian people and express belief in a new generation capable of shaping the country’s future.
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Iran’s death toll linked to the protests has risen to at least 116, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The unrest has been accompanied by a nationwide internet shutdown that has lasted more than 60 hours, according to monitoring group NetBlocks, restricting access to communication and information. Despite the blackout, protesters have continued to take to the streets, as rights groups warned that authorities were using deadly force to suppress demonstrations.
During the 1 Billion Followers Summit which kicked off on January 9, Amini noted how political reality has found its way onto comedy stages, not as a headline but as lived context. Amini said comedy today feels bolder than it once was, particularly in the region.
“Comedy has definitely grown in the region,” he said. “Culturally, there’s a much higher tolerance for certain topics, in a positive way. The culture here is moving rapidly when it comes to art and understanding different media.”
Amini, who began performing in the early 2000s, said the boundaries around what comedians can discuss have shifted, though they have not disappeared entirely.
“There are always red lines,” he said. “Different cultures and different countries see those red lines differently. For the region, I feel we’ve come a long way. I perform here and I feel very comfortable speaking freely, but within cultural guidelines. It’s not something I’m forcing. It just works.”
As comedians increasingly address political or social issues on stage, Amini is careful not to frame it as an obligation. “They’re not responsible to do it,” he said. “It’s a choice.”
For him, that choice is rooted in values rather than commentary. He said speaking about human rights and standing on the side of people comes naturally, not as a statement, but as a reflection of what he cares about.
“I’m always rooting for positive things for society,” he said. “I want people to be able to do what they like and have a good life. As simple as that.”
The rise of social media has amplified this shift. Clips from comedy shows now travel far beyond the room, reaching global audiences who may encounter political messages through humour before they encounter them elsewhere.
The 1 Billion Followers Summit runs from January 9 to 11 in Dubai under the theme “Content for Good”. The event brings together more than 15,000 creators, media leaders, and policymakers, aiming to explore the growing influence of digital platforms on society, governance, and global communication.
Waad Barakat
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.
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