FUNNY GIRL ELHAM JAZAB

There are many Persian women who like to push the envelope and Elham Jazab is no exception. Born in Shiraz, the beautiful entertainer is not only funny but also ambitious and driven. Through her comedy and confidence, she has explored issues that are current and controversial. With rave reviews on the street, Elham has been called "outrageous", "hilarious", and - "the world's funniest female Persian comic". With a degree in theatre and film frmo Northwestern University, and a Masters from Columbia College, she is well-equipped to see the funny side of any situation, especially those where Persians prevail.

So far, Elham has toured many cities with her act and calls Los Angeles her home. We had a chance to conduct an interview with her recently:

PersianMirror: Tell us about your formative years?

Elham Jazab: I was born in Shiraz, but soon after we moved to Tunisia, and later to the United States. I started school here, then went to junior high and high school in Zaire, Africa (now the Congo). I live in Los Angelese now and moved here to pursue my acting and comedy career, and to get better weather since I had been in Chicago for many years before that. I studied and got my degrees in theatre and film; the comedy became a natural extension of my rather sarcastic yet witty ( at least I like to think so) sense of humor.

"I crack myself up..." Elham Jazab

PM: Who were some of the biggest influence of your comedy, past or present?

EJ: Lucille Ball, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle.

PM: What topics do you like to explore and what is the general audience reaction?

EJ: I just talk about what happens to me and what I observe around me including the unusual nature of the transplanted Persian culture.I think it freaks Persians out to see a Persian girl be so outspoken. Sure, some people take offense; it's their prerogative, but most like it. I crack myself up. Yeah. I do.

PM: What desribes you best?

EJ: I've been blessed to have live and traveled all over the world, it makes meeting new people easy! I love big furry dogs, animals of any kind really. I can read super fast. I can do almost any accent. Hmm…I love driving fast cars. Everyone thinks I'm Hispanic, especially Persians and Hispanics. I like my curly hair.

PM: Tell us what you are working on right now and where we can catch your next show

EJ: I perform regularly at the Comedy Union at 5040 W Pico, in Los Angeles. I am also rehearsing for a play, A Long Bridge Over Deep Waters, with Cornerstone Theatre, in which I play an Iranian woman. It will run in June at the Ford Theatre in Hollywood.

PM: Desert Island. Three things. What will you take?

EJ: My cosmetic bag (cuz it has sunblock,a mirror, eyeliner and lipgloss in I;t oh yeah and tweezers in there, I am Persian after all). A trunk full of books. A cute guy who is a good conversationalist and can build stuff (kind of like the professor on Gilligan's Island).