Outly

From refugee camp to viral sensation, comedian, Tilahun Hailu (aka Joe White) has won multiple FRINGE WORLD Best Comedy Awards and sold out shows at the biggest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe. Now, with the birth of his daughter Leilani—half Ethiopian, half Maltese—he's realised his most popular stage name, "Joe White," can no longer stand.

In a powerful, hilarious, and deeply honest new show, Tilahun reveals the true story behind his "Joe White" identity. He traces his desperate 25-year pursuit of acceptance, from growing up as an Ethiopian refugee in Sudan, to the difficult journey of migrating to Australia and trying to fit in by trading his beautiful birth name, Tilahun (meaning "be a shade" or shelter), for "Joe."

Emotional Blackmale is more than just a comedy show; it’s a declaration of war on inherited trauma and a commitment to reclaime his identity. Join Tilahun Hailu on this urgent, hilarious, and vital journey to find his shelter, and become the father his daughter deserves.

★★★★½ "My goodness was he funny" - On the house review

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