Laughs at the J: Ethnic Jews

Celebrate your roots and find out what makes you laugh at this Ethnic Jewish Comedy Showcase, an evening featuring comedians with diverse backgrounds.

Expect laughter from Jews raised in Jamaica, South Africa, Iran, Iraq, and even Nicaragua. Featuring Tamara Shevon, Ariel Kagan, Brandon Zakkai, Foad HP, and Martha Chaves.

For accessible seating, please contact Marnie at Marnie@prossermanjcc.com

Comedian Bios

Tamara Shevon
Tamara Shevon is a Toronto-based comic who started her comedic storytelling through wine-coloured glasses in Beijing, China. Since then, she has been blazing through the Toronto scene with her characteristic wit and her lovable ability to flirt with the boundaries of socially acceptable.

Ariel Kagan
Having grown and learnt the basics of the trade in his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa at a range of establishments in the Joburg area like Parkers Comedy Club, Carnival City, Emperors palace, The Box Comedy, GIN as well as several festival such as Splashy Fen & Park Acoustics as well as hosting few private events. Ariel is set to be in a prime position to take on the world after moving to Toronto in late 2012 and man, has the onslaught begun. Performing at several high profile places, The Laugh Factory (Chicago), Stand-up NY (NYC), Crackers (Indy), Yuk Yuks (Canada), Comedy Bar (Toronto) and being invited for the Lab Cab Arts FestivaL & 2013 & 2014 NXNE Festivals

Brandon Zakkai
Brandon Zakkai is a comic and actor located in Toronto Ontario. Brandon has a unique perspective as an Iraqi and Iranian Jew, combining traditional Jewish humour with old school Arabic tradition. Brandon is best known for his electric performances, bringing energy and excitement to crowds across Canada.

Foad HP
Foad HP is an Iranian-born actor, comic, and writer from Toronto. Foad has performed at Just for Laughs, Andy Kindler’s the Alternative Show, Stand Up NBC, SiriusXM Top Comic, has taped a performance for Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, and was the winner of the Toronto Comedy Brawl. He was also a writer on the 25th season of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, his original sketch comedy show “Off Colour,” was a finalist at CBC’s Stand Up and Pitch at Just for Laughs, and he was chosen for BIPOC TV & Film’s Sitcom Workshop with Ins Choi, as well as BIPOC TV & Film’s Kid’s TV Writing Bootcamp. Foad has made guest appearances on Warner Bros.’ Nikita, and Starz’s American Gods, and Hallmark’s Love and Ice Wine.

Martha Chaves
Martha Chaves is a Nicaraguan-Canadian comedian, actress, activist and playwright. She performs standup in English, Spanish, French and Italian. She is a regular in the comedy circuits in Canada, the United States and Latin America, at Just for Laughs and other major festivals, and on CBC Radio.
Since coming out around 2009, Chaves has spoken out for the LGBT community and has become known for her comedic take on being a homosexual person of colour in Canada. She has also written and performed in a series of one-woman plays. Chaves won the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Standup Comic of 2017, after being nominated several times in the previous decade.