A Comedy Duo's Journey Through Turbulent Times

Dave Chappelle and Mo Amer have a unique bond. It began during the pandemic, when Chappelle invited comedians to his Ohio home for performances. These shows were held in a cornfield, with daily COVID tests for safety. Amer was one of the comedians who spent the summer of 2020 with Chappelle, performing and creating. It was a time of uncertainty, with COVID, civil unrest, and personal struggles. Yet, these shows provided an outlet for many, including Amer, who was writing his Netflix series "Mo" during this time. The series "Mo" has been critically acclaimed and wrapped up after two seasons. Amer recalls the pressure of writing during such tumultuous times. He had to address significant events, like the conflict on October 7, 2023. This event put him in a unique position as a solo Palestinian voice in a critical time. The pressure was immense, with fans and the public expecting him to speak out. However, Amer chose to take a step back and understand the situation before commenting. He wanted to ensure his art form remained a refuge for expression. Chappelle, known for his controversial jokes, has not given many interviews since his 2021 Netflix special "The Closer. " However, he made an exception for Amer, flying to Los Angeles for their conversation. Chappelle is notorious for avoiding press, but he valued the conversation with Amer. The two discussed the challenges of addressing sensitive topics in comedy. They also talked about the importance of context and understanding before speaking out. Amer's show "Mo" touches on relevant issues like Palestine and immigration. It humanizes these topics and provides a cathartic piece of art. The show's timing seemed miraculous, as it addressed issues the world was grappling with. Amer wanted to delve into a detention center and show the absurdities of immigration processes. He wanted his character to get stuck in Mexico to highlight these issues. Chappelle and Amer's conversation also touched on their past. Chappelle remembered a tour bus conversation where Amer described fleeing Kuwait. This conversation inspired Amer's show, which Chappelle found impressive. He appreciated the show's authenticity and emotional depth. Chappelle also shared his experience with "SNL" monologues, the pressure of live television, and the joy of performing on such a revered platform.