(From left) American comedians Rajiv Satyal, Azhar Usman and Hari Kondabolu address a news meet in Patna on Tuesday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Patna, Jan 10: Differences are better sorted out over a steaming cup of tea rather than in a blazing battlefield, believe three stand-up comedians from the US, who will perform in the state capital tomorrow.

New York-based Hari Kondabolu, Ohio-resident Rajiv Satyal and Azhar Usman from Chicago will make Patna residents laugh with their histrionics at Rabindra Bhavan. Their show, organised by American Corner, Patna, is called Make Chai Not War.

Kondabolu, who has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a number of television shows in the US, said: “The art of stand-up comedy is unlike any other. We will address relevant and contemporary issues. People will relate to it.”

“The title of our show, Make Chai Not War, means it is better to discuss issues over a cup of tea than getting embroiled in a conflict,” added Satyal. “We want to spread the message of peace, especially among the youth. They must be made aware of the value of peace.”

The fun will start tomorrow at 6pm. Laughter that these performers offer is free for all. But the language of their performance could be a hindrance to eliciting giggles and guffaws from their audience. Kondabolu, Satyal and Usman perform in English and the Queen’s language is not everyone’s mother tongue. The comedians, however, believe that their humour will not be lost in translation.

“It is true that except Azhar, none of us speak Hindi. So, it will be a big challenge for us to communicate our act. But we will try our best to make people laugh,” said Satyal.

Laughter, of course, has no language.

Describing the other aspects of their show, Azhar said: “We will also promote mutual understanding between Indians and the people of the United States. The show will engage the audience on issues that are relevant to both Americans and Indians. We will also showcase the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of the United States of America to the people of Bihar.”

The performance would also be interactive.

“Apart from the comedy, we will also share the experiences of growing up in a foreign country. We will also discuss religious tolerance and urge people to shun their prejudices,” said Azhar.

The three comedians will be in India till January 17. After Patna, they will visit Calcutta and Mumbai.