CAIRO - Since the Egyptian revolution more than two years ago, Egypt has witnessed many grassroots changes – not only with the toppling of former president Hosni Mubarak, but also at the popular level. Egyptians took to the streets to demonstrate, proving that they have become more courageous and aware that they have rights. They have learned how to call for these rights freely and openly, while many politicians have been founding political and social parties of various persuasions. There are liberal parties and religious parties, but the latest thing is Egypt's first comic party, called 'Laughter for All'. The party, which eschews any kind of discrimination, has a funny logo, consisting of a red tarboush (fez) and a microphone. The idea for the party was inspired by the stand-up comedy that has recently become popular in Egypt. So far, the party has 22 members, all of them stand-up comics. They are using their creative skills to come up with ideas to lure their fans to join the party. "The idea of founding this party struck me more than two years ago, shortly after the Egyptian revolution. Many new parties and talk shows were emerging and I carefully noted their persuasions. “But I have boycotted these talk shows, because they promote despair and negativity, setting up my own project instead," said Hisham el-Garhi, 26, the party's founder. "I want to make Egyptians smile and give them hope for the future of their country," he added in an interview with a local magazine. Egyptians are well known for their great sense of humour and their ability to cope with life's hardships, patiently and cheerfully. This is why such parties are not unusual. They are like a breath of fresh air, helping to lift the political fog, at a time when Egyptians are very worried about all the difficult political problems. The party members meet behind closed doors in social clubs, where they can discuss their future plans and rehearse for their performances. "We are delighted that our idea has been put into effect. Stand-up comedy is our passion and at last we have a party for expressing our feelings," el-Garhy told the Egyptian Mail in an interview. "Stand-up comedy can do much to change society. People are already reacting to this kind of art, which will easily convey positive ideas to them." El-Garhy spent half of his life in the United States, before coming home, hoping to do something to make Egypt better. He left his job in public relations in a big technology company, to devote all his time and effort to his project, without pausing for a moment to wonder whether it will succeed or fail. "The party's main branch is in Alexandria and we are hoping to open other branches all over the country, especially in governorates that are suffering from serious problems, like the sectarian strife in Upper Egypt," el-Garhy explained. When he first thought of launching his party, el-Garhy discussed the idea with his close friends, all involved in the world of stand-up comedy. They were just eight who launched the party late last month. "Anybody who wants to join the party must fill in a questionnaire that tests their self-confidence and their ability to face an audience. “We also want to know whether they can make the audience laugh, whatever their own mood. We also want people who can speak English, as sometimes we perform in the English language," he stressed. The party members are afraid that their project could go belly-up at any moment due to lack of funds, as they finance the party themselves, without the support of businessmen, unlike other parties.
