Maz Jobrani and the memoirs of a Middle Eastern funny man

Maz is back! In time for Nouroz (Persian New Year), Iranian–American comedian and actor Maz Jobrani is back on stage in Stockholm at Södra teatern with his show ”I Come in Peace – Again” Thursday March 19th (first show already sold out, so book tickets now). His new book ”I'm Not a Terrorist, But I've Played One on TV” just came out (copies en route to our shops).

We managed to have a short chat with him in-between gigs and jetlag. 

1. Maz – what are you doing in Sweden?

I was in Stockholm to host an event for Persian New Year on Tuesday evening called Chaharshanbehsouri. I believe in Swedish they call it Eldfesten and it was produced by Riksteatern. It is an annual event that draws about 10,000 people to Kungstradgarden for a night of free performances and celebration of Persian culture. It is my second time hosting it.

I am also here to do 2 shows at Sodra Teatern this Thursday, March 19th at 7pm and 9pm. The 7pm show is sold out, so we added the second show. This is my return to Sodra Teatern. I was there in 2012 where I filmed my last comedy special for Showtime and Netflix in the US called "I Come in Peace."

(Psst, tickets are still available for the late show – book your tickets at Södra teatern )

2. You've just published a book – tell us about it!

It's called "I'm Not a Terrorist, But I've Played One on TV”. It is my memoirs told in a funny way. I talk about growing up Iranian in America and the challenges I faced as an Iranian/American in Hollywood. I think anyone who is familiar with the immigrant story, no matter where they are from, will enjoy it. Here's a review from the New York Times that just came out. 

(Psst, copies of the book are on their way to our bookshops – book your copy today)

3. So, what do you think of Sweden so far?

I love Sweden. I have been here several times performing at China Theater and Sodra Teatern with my solo shows. I have also done shows in Gothenburg, Malmo and a few other cities. I really love your country. I think that you guys understand comedy and are great fans.

4. What's your favourite book?

Wow! That's a tough question. I'm going to give you a few 1) The Godfather by Mario Puzo,  2) The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, 3) Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Suess,  4) The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, 5) Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

5. What's your favorite bookshop and why?

Okay, another tough one. I love all bookshops because they have coffee usually and you can sit and read. I tend to buy a lot more books than I read. They just sit on my shelf or I get through half of them. That said, I guess I would have to go with the local LA bookstore Book Soup. 

6. Where are you off to next?

I'm gonna go to Mexico and take a vacation with my family. I need to sit in the sun for a few days.

Thanks for talking to us, Maz.

You can follow Maz on

twitter @mazjobrani
instagram @mazjobrani
facebook facebook.com/mazjobrani
web www.mazjobrani.com

And don't miss his show at Södra teatern. And his book, of course.