Confessions in times of war: John Achkar

Where are our cultural players in times of war, and what are they doing?

L'Agenda Culturel went to meet them, interview them and listen to their stories.

John Achkar, stand-up comedian.

How are you doing?

These days, I feel a constant mix of helplessness and hope.

What is your daily life like in a time of war?

Like so many of us, I’m glued to the news, always reaching out to check on my loved ones. It's become a sad routine, but somehow it helps me hold on to some sense of sanity in the middle of all this chaos.

I recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to provide 500 play kits for children of displaced families. Nothing compared to the huge initiatives that are done on the ground, but thanks to the incredible generosity of people, we were able to produce and distribute these kits in just few days. That experience reminded me how much good still exists, even in such difficult times.

Being away from home during a crisis is especially hard. As expats, we’re always connected—constantly checking notifications, worried about what might come next. I’m always following the news, trying to process what’s happening while channeling that energy into my work.

Right now, I’m preparing for an upcoming tour in the US and Canada. It’s challenging to focus on comedy when so much pain is present, but humor has always been a way for us to cope, to find the truth. Sharing my thoughts on my online platforms during this time has helped me stay connected with the community, even from afar, and it allows me to reflect both the pain of this moment and the strength we continue to show.

How do you continue your artistic activity? 

We are committed to spreading awareness and fostering trust to prevent a full-scale war. Our activities persist online and through live performances. Art, especially in times of crisis, becomes even more vital. While some of our performances were canceled due to the situation, we continue our efforts and are now moving forward with shows in the US and Canada. It's about more than just entertainment; it’s about sharing our truth and connecting with audiences in a way that transcends borders.

Every show is a chance to bring light to what Lebanon is going through.

How do you see Lebanon's future?

The war has shown that citizens are stepping up and leading a profound transformation in mindset. This presents an opportunity for meaningful change. There is an agility here that runs deep, and while the path to recovery is long, I remain hopeful that this could be the beginning of a new chapter for our country—one rooted in trust, justice, and genuine reconciliation.

To overcome the fear and anxiety, what do you suggest to our readers?

Books : Trevor Noah - Born a Crime

Series : Veep

Podcasts : Albert Moukheiber in Sarde after Dinner