Gad Elmaleh: A “family” homecoming in Casablanca with his latest show “Lui-même”
True to his roots and his hometown, comedian Gad Elmaleh is making a big return to the Moroccan stage with his latest show “Lui-même”, which he will perform in Casablanca on September 25, 26 and 27.
For Elmaleh, performing again in Casablanca feels “like playing in front of family.” Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the comedian shared the emotion and sense of responsibility that come with this special encounter with his fellow Moroccans.
“Making Casablancans laugh is never simple. It’s a real joy, but it has to be earned. It’s a demanding audience, one I feel a deep connection with,” he said, adding that performing for a Moroccan audience is like being “in front of your own family, where you want to give everything and never disappoint.”
With “Lui-même”, Gad Elmaleh presents one of the most personal shows of his career. “We called the show Lui-même because after turning 50, you tend to get closer to who you really are, in your truth. You become more faithful to the values you want to stand for, after having searched for so long,” he explained.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve completely found myself, but coming to perform in Morocco makes me want to show who I truly am, with the values I grew up with,” he added.
The comedian, who left Casablanca at 17 but remains deeply attached to the city, also declared: “I am a true Casablancan. Performing here is a great pride, and I hope to deliver the best show of the entire tour.”
Reflecting on the title of the show, he said with a smile: “I don’t know how to translate Lui-même into darija, maybe Houa Houa — a way of saying it’s really him, no doubt about it. And that’s exactly the message I want to send today.”
After Casablanca, Elmaleh hopes to add more dates across Morocco, but emphasized the symbolic importance of his homecoming. “Casablanca is an essential stop. This is where I have to give my all,” he concluded with emotion.
With “Lui-même”, Gad Elmaleh returns to Casablanca in all authenticity, offering a deeply personal performance where laughter and heartfelt confessions intertwine. For him, it is not just another stop on tour but a genuine return to his roots — a moment of complicity and pride with an audience he considers family.
Editorial team/le7tv
