Facing Loss at Five, Finding Laughter for Life
It was only the age of five when a heartbreaking tragedy landed on Rula Korban’s childhood: the moment she learned of her father’s passing, caught in the tears and shock of her mother and grandparents. The trauma that ensued was too heavy for her young mind and body to bear. To cope, she turned to an extraordinary defense—transforming the painful scene into a funny mental sketch. That was the seeds of something profound: a lasting appreciation for comedy and a fascination with those who wield laughter as their craft.
A Young Soul, Drawn to Comic Masters
Even in her early days, a young Rula was magnetically drawn to the presence and wit of comedic greats. Her first comedic hero was the legendary Egyptian actor Saiid Saleh. He entered the stage with a presence so powerful that it immediately made her feel seen. His free-spirited, off-script improvisation revealed glimpses of genuine personality behind the performance—a magic she embraced but couldn’t yet define.
Then, Charlie Chaplin entered her life via a kids’ show in Lebanon. Rula was captivated by how Chaplin could mix sadness and drama with light, intelligent comedy. She watched his films with a dazzled gaze in the living room, utterly transfixed.
“When I decided to become a stand-up comedian,” she recalls, “I realized how thirsty that little girl inside me still is—for playfulness, for joy… for treating life’s drama with laughter and sarcasm.”
From Lebanon to the UAE: A Comedy Journey Begins
Believe it or not, Rula’s wild ride into stand-up didn’t start with dreams of stand-up. She was writing and acting in online skits, but felt stand-up was a far-off fantasy—until one summer evening at a bar in Lebanon changed it all. It was mid-August when she and her friend attended an open mic night with a playful twist: each act had just five minutes to riff on the theme “electricity” (a cheeky nod to Lebanon’s frequent power cuts). Her friend—always convinced Rula was a natural comic—pushed her to go up.
Rula scribbled a few notes, took the stage, and those five minutes became unforgettable. The laughter, the applause—it hooked her for life. Today, she says, “I’m officially addicted to performing stand-up and don’t wish to recover anytime soon.”
A Star Moment at Dubai Opera
Flash forward two years into her stand-up career, and Rula found herself on stage at the prestigious Dubai Opera, performing in front of 2 000 people as the opening act for Shawn Chidiac. The audience, a vibrant mix of nationalities, didn’t just laugh—they roared. That performance made her heart dance. She had also participated in Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, but performing at such magnitude at the Dubai Opera remains her proudest achievement to date.
A Bilingual Comic Between Beirut and Dubai
Today, Rula writes and performs in both Arabic and English—shuttling between stages in Dubai and Beirut. Her style is deeply personal, speaking from her own viewpoint with vulnerability and authenticity. She’s currently working on a comedy series, aiming to bring her blend of honesty and humor to both screen and stage. For Rula, comedy isn’t just the job—it’s the way she wants to live, now and into the future.
Staying True in an Age of Trends
Rula’s approach to comedy comes with a powerful principle: “Working on always being myself and NOT working on second guessing the audience.” She recognizes that following trends may surge toward fame—but that path turns you into a product, and the game loses its joy. “Being myself, writing from my point of view, remaining vulnerable and authentic… that feels like a simple woman telling funny stories—like I would to my family. And that brings me closer to both myself and my audience.”
What She Hopes Her Audience Leaves With
Ultimately, Rula wants her audience to feel seen—or feel good: someone who made them see through, or someone who made them feel good. If she could speak to her younger self, she’d simply say: “Chill. It’s already happening.” Do follow her on Instagram.
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