Opening Hearts and Minds Comedian Dean Obeidallah to visit Creighton	April 13, 2010
Lauren Mastro Assistant Scene Editor

Popular Palestinian-American comedian Dean Obeidallah is known for his satirical stand-up bits in Comedy Central’s “Axis of Evil” and “The Watch List.” Now, Obeidallah is combining quick wit and cultural awareness on the Creighton stage in his show Opening Hearts and Minds.
The show, which is primarily sponsored by the Creighton Muslim Student Association, will take place on Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Harper Center’s Hixson-Lied Auditorium. Palestinian-Canadian comedian Eman will be opening for Obeidallah. The MSA hopes the performance will both entertain audiences and cultivate a better understanding of Arab-Muslim culture.
“We really want the audience to have a fun time,” Karima Al-Absy, the MSA president, said. “Comedy can be this great unifying force, and hopefully the audience will be able to better relate to Arabs and Muslims after they’ve seen Dean perform.”
Opening Hearts and Minds is not Obeidallah’s first event to analyze Arab-American relations in a lighter way. In addition to his credits on Comedy Central specials, Obeidallah created the comedy tour “Stand Up for Peace” with Jewish comedian Scott Blakeman, through which he promoted peace in the Middle East. He also co-created the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival.
Obeidallah said he realized he had a talent for making people laugh when, as a practicing lawyer at the time, he was asked to perform in the New Jersey Bar Association’s funniest lawyer show. An abrupt career change allowed him to mesh a passion for comedy with a passion for advocating peace and understanding in the Middle East. He said his Palestinian heritage has no doubt had an effect on the political undertones of his shows.
“I am hoping that Dean’s show will help to educate people about Arabs and Muslim Americans, Arabs and Muslims in general, while using comedy,” said Naser Alsharif, an associate pharmacy professor at Creighton and moderator of the MSA. “The show will also have the potential to shatter stereotypes, build bridges and a better understanding of Arabs and Muslims.”
Alsharif’s faith in Obeidallah’s ability to expose the Creighton community to Arab and Muslim culture reflects the MSA’s goal as a student club. The comedy show is one of several events the MSA has sponsored that aim to disband ignorance about the Arab and Muslim community.
“The MSA does a lot,” Al-Absy said. “During Ramadan, we host potlucksso people who’ve been fasting, or just people who are interested in learning more about Ramadan, can get together. We’ve hosted several films and lectures on Islam and the Middle East. In a few weeks, we’ll be selling Middle Eastern food on the mall as a fundraiser.”
In accordance with the show, Nebraskans for Peace members will be selling Palestinian olive oil, crafts and soaps to raise money outside of the auditorium. Tickets to the show are $10 for general admission and free for students and faculty with a Creighton ID. Tickets may be purchased from members of the MSA, or by contacting Dr. Alsharif at nalshari@creighton.edu or by calling (402) 280-1587.
“It is a great opportunity for the Creighton Community and the public at large to experience Arabs and Muslims from the prism of political comedy, one of the hallmarks of American popular culture,” Alsharif said.

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