Marrakech Comedy Festival Sparks Controversy Over Cultural Sensitivity

Since 2011, Moroccans have been in fits of laughter at the international humor festival "Marrakech du rire". It could not have been otherwise since the sketches are tinged with a good dose of humor. But what will have caught the attention of some the most are the sometimes indigestible mockeries, the insolent sketches, animated by foreign and binational artists, hostile to the values and moral integrity of Moroccans, the indigestible parodies on the lifestyle, religion and language of Moroccans.

"Some comedians, under the cover of their belonging or their proximity to the Moroccan or Muslim community, like Gad El Maleh, Malik Bentalha, or Frank Dubosc, have mocked the audience present at the Palais Badi, and have allowed themselves to look down on Moroccan citizens by focusing solely on certain traits of a negative nature," says Barlamane. The site also mentions the case of certain French artists like Jérémy Ferrari. During the 2013 edition of "Marrakech du rire", the latter ridiculed the ancestral Moroccan architecture through a tasteless sketch in which he had played the role of a "condescending" tour guide.

Despite the indignation of some Moroccans, these types of sketches are still presented at the Marrakech du rire festival. Which, complains the same source, irritates even more. Have the Moroccans lost their sense of humor?